Igbo elders and leaders have voiced concerns over the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, currently held in Finland on allegations of terrorist activities.
While acknowledging the detention, the leaders asserted that it would not address the root causes of insecurity in the South-East region. Instead, they emphasized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is pivotal to restoring peace.
The elders suggested that bringing Simon Ekpa to Nigeria and prosecuting him for the alleged killings he orchestrated would be more impactful than his detention abroad.
Speaking at the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, urged the Finnish government to maintain its pressure on Ekpa, describing him as a destabilizing figure.
“Ekpa’s village in Ebonyi does not observe the sit-at-home order he enforces on the rest of Igboland. His actions have destroyed the economy of the region,” Bishop Okoye remarked.
The cleric also expressed solidarity with Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, highlighting his struggles to protect lives and property amid ongoing challenges. Bishop Okoye urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators present at the event to push for decisive action from the presidency.
“Those advocating for a Biafra Republic must stop killing and kidnapping their brothers and sisters. Their actions contradict their stated goals,” he added.
The leaders reiterated that sustainable peace in the South-East hinges on addressing underlying grievances, releasing Nnamdi Kanu, and holding Simon Ekpa accountable for his actions.