Self-acclaimed Biafran Prime Minister, PM, and Finnish Politician, Simon Ekpa has reacted to being declared a terrorist by the Nigerian Government.
CONVERSEER reports that the Nigerian Defence Headquarters on Friday declared Ekpa and 96 others as persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the Nigerian State.
According to a statement and pictures released by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, on 22 March 2024, the Nigerian Government said, the most prominent among the wanted persons is Simon Ekpa who is controlling a faction of IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and has been credited with the declaration of the notorious Monday sit-at-home in the South East zone.
Reacting to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters statement on Saturday, Ekpe said, his freedom is close, adding that he has to double the fire.
“Whenever your oppressors declare you a terrorist or wanted for fighting for freedom, know that your freedom is very close and they have seen what the doubting Thomases didn’t see in you. All that is needed of me now is to double the fire,” Ekpa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Whenever your oppressors declare you a terrorist or wanted for fighting for freedom, know that your freedom is very close and they have seen what the doubting Thomases didn’t see in you. All that is needed of me now is to double the fire. -ESN
— Simon Ekpa (@simon_ekpa) March 23, 2024
The Biafran Leader also dared the Nigerian Government, saying, “The next sit at home is on 29.3.2024 being Friday, to protest the genocide and terrorist attack by Nigeria terrorists @HQNigerianArmy in Okuama community – an attack in any Biafra community is an attack on all!”
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Meanwhile, the statement by Maj. Gen. Buba said the wanted persons, terrorists/bandits and insurgents commanders are from the North East, North West, North Central and South East geopolitical zones.
A breakdown of the wanted persons shows that 43 were declared wanted in North West Zone plagued by banditry, and kidnapping among others.
Some bandit/terrorist leaders include Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.
In the North East plagued by Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists, 33 persons were declared wanted.
Among them are terrorist commanders, Abu Zaida; Modu Sulum; Baba Data; Ahmad; Sani Teacher; Baa Sadiq; Abdul Saad; Kaka Abi; Mohammad Khalifa; Umar Tella; Abu Mutahid; Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga; Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.
In the North Central and South East, 21 insurgents/militants and violent criminals were declared wanted.
Others in the South East include Factional IPOB leader Simon Ekpa, Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.
CONVERSEER further reports that the military authorities did not place any bounty on the wanted persons.
