You Have No Moral Right to Link IPOB to Terrorism, AVID Tells Ribadu
In a strongly worded statement, the African Voices for Indigenous Democracy (AVID) has come out to condemn recent comments made by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, which allegedly linked the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to acts of terrorism.
AVID, a pan-African civil rights organization committed to promoting indigenous rights and democratic values, criticized Ribadu’s assertion, describing it as both “unfounded” and “morally bankrupt.” The group insisted that labeling IPOB as a terrorist group without irrefutable evidence only deepens the already fragile socio-political tensions in the country.
This reaction follows Ribadu’s recent public address where he mentioned IPOB among organizations allegedly threatening Nigeria’s national security. His statements, which have since gone viral on both mainstream and social media platforms, have ignited fresh debates on the government’s handling of separatist movements, especially in the South-East.
AVID did not mince words in its response. In its official statement released in Abuja and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Chijioke Nwosu, the organization stated, “Ribadu has no moral right to describe IPOB as a terrorist organization when the root causes of their agitation — marginalization, lack of representation, and socio-economic exclusion — remain largely unaddressed by the Nigerian government.”
According to AVID, it is a miscarriage of justice to continue to brand IPOB as a terror group, especially when international organizations and some foreign governments have refrained from taking such a position. The group stressed that any such labeling should be based on concrete, internationally acceptable legal benchmarks rather than political rhetoric or ethnic bias.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has for years maintained its stance as a peaceful movement seeking the secession of Biafra from Nigeria. The group has consistently accused the Nigerian state of systemic oppression, targeted killings, and the suppression of their rights. IPOB leaders and supporters have repeatedly claimed their activities are non-violent and rooted in democratic principles of self-determination.
However, the Nigerian government, particularly under previous administrations, has classified IPOB as a terrorist organization, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters including international human rights organizations. The renewed attempt by Ribadu to link IPOB with terrorism has reopened a conversation many Nigerians feel the government has failed to handle with transparency and fairness.
AVID in its statement said, “We acknowledge the Nigerian government’s responsibility to safeguard national security, but scapegoating IPOB without addressing the deeper causes of unrest in the South-East is counterproductive. It only fuels the fire and pushes more young people toward radicalization.”
AVID called on the federal government to re-evaluate its approach toward addressing grievances raised by IPOB and other aggrieved groups in the country. Rather than resorting to labeling and suppression, the organization recommends open dialogue and inclusive governance as long-term solutions to the secessionist demands.
“It is time the Nigerian government moved away from the use of brute force and intelligence manipulation. What the country needs is a political solution to what is essentially a political problem,” Dr. Nwosu emphasized.
The organization also raised questions about the criteria used by the government to define terrorism. It argued that groups from other regions involved in violent acts have not been treated with the same level of scrutiny or severity as IPOB. “When bandits who abduct schoolchildren or herdsmen who destroy farmlands are not declared terrorists with the same level of urgency, it reflects clear double standards,” AVID stated.
As part of its broader advocacy, AVID called on the African Union, the United Nations, and other international human rights organizations to monitor the ongoing human rights situation in Nigeria, especially in the South-East. The group expressed concern over alleged military raids in civilian areas, arrests without warrants, and the continued detention of IPOB members without trial.
The organization stressed the importance of ensuring that indigenous groups like IPOB are not unjustly vilified for political purposes. “If Nigeria truly practices democracy, then the government must be willing to listen to dissenting voices rather than silence them with brute force and accusations of terrorism,” the statement concluded.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. With rising insecurity, economic instability, and political divisions, the need for unity and responsible leadership has never been more urgent. Civil society groups like AVID play a crucial role in holding government officials accountable, especially when their actions threaten to widen existing ethnic and political fault lines.
While the debate surrounding IPOB and terrorism continues, many Nigerians are urging the government to prioritize justice, equity, and meaningful dialogue over intimidation and labeling. The call from AVID to Ribadu is not just about IPOB — it’s a reminder that true national security starts with inclusive governance and respect for human rights.