Insecurity in the East: Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I am not sure they would listen to him – Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has expressed doubts that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would resolve the insecurity in the South-East.

Speaking at a press conference on December 17, Soludo suggested that criminal elements have exploited the Biafran struggle and Kanu’s name to carry out organized crimes and fuel unrest in the region.

He also revealed that over 99% of criminals arrested in Anambra over the past two years were Igbo, with more than 70% being non-indigenes of the state.

While some leaders believe Kanu’s release could restore peace, Soludo emphasized the need to address broader issues beyond his detention.

“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs. They hide in forests, k!dnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.

Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals. Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and k!ll their own people?”