Barely 24 hours after the killing of the leader of the Eastern Security Networ (ESN) Commander Ikonso, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday announced that the military wing of the group has gotten a new commander.
Recall that Nigeria special forces had early on Saturday stormed the operational headquarters of the ESN in Awomama, Oru East LGA of Imo State, killing Ikonso and six members of the group.
Speaking on Channels TV, Sunday Politics, IPOB Secretary, Emma Powerful, announced new commander but declined to make his name public.
He also denied ESN’s involvement of yesterday’s attack on Hope Uzodinma’s house.
“ESN are not the ones that attacked Uzodinma’s house. They cannot come for an operation and tell you they are ESN,” he said.
When asked to explain the groups operational activities, he opined: “We pursue Fulani herdsmen from the region”.
Again when asked to comment on the new instituted security outfit by the South East Governors, ‘Ebubeagu’, Emma Powerful said: “They are ghost security outfit. There is no group like Ebubeagu”.
It will be recalled that Ikonso was killed in Imo State during a joint operation by security forces comprising the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts from the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS).
The encounter happened in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State.
Reacting to Ikonso’s death, IPOB had said, “The killing of the heroic innocent Biafrans protecting our communities and towns from Fulani terrorists herdsmen masquerading as cattle herders in cold blood is very painful.”
The statement added, “The Supreme Court Administrator of Imo State Hope Uzodinma and all those who had a hand in this wickedness will pay dearly.
“Hope Uzodinma and his cowardly Nigerian security agencies that cannot confront Fulani terrorists but only flex their muscles when they see Biafra agitators. For murdering Ikonso, the ESN (Eastern Security Network) unit commander in cold blood, Uzodinma has stirred the hornet nest! He should get ready for a sting.”