The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on its supporters and other sympathetic groups in the United States to gather in Washington DC for a protest over what it describes as ongoing ethno-religious killings in Nigeria.
The group said the demonstration will be held to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by spokesperson Emma Powerful, on behalf of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu who remains in detention, the group said the protest was necessary following reports that Nigerian government officials are planning to travel to the United States to counter accusations about religious persecution.
The group accused the Nigerian government of attempting to “rewrite the narrative” and “polish its battered image” internationally.
“The victims are still bleeding. We will not allow the truth to be buried,” the statement read. It also called on Biafrans and other groups, including Judeo-Christians, Yoruba Nation supporters, Middle Belt groups, Idoma, Tiv, Ijaw and Ibibio communities, to join the protest.
IPOB insisted that the action would be peaceful, describing it as a “mass display of conscience,” rather than a call to violence.
According to the group, the date and specific location of the protest in Washington DC will be announced later.
The statement concluded by urging unity among ethnic nationalities, saying the world must hear the voices of those who feel they are being persecuted.