The Edo State Government has denied rumours that it paid ₦6 billion in compensation to any group linked with terrorism. The claim came from a press statement allegedly issued by the proscribed group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and widely circulated on social media.
IPOB accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to compensate so-called “Fulani terrorists.” It also claimed the governor had handed over Edo vigilantes to Fulani groups. But the Edo government says those allegations are not just false—they’re dangerous.
“We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts,” the statement reads.
“We didn’t pay anyone ₦6 billion”
The governor’s press secretary, Fred Itua, said on Thursday that the state didn’t approve or release ₦6 billion to any group. “The figures and narrative being peddled are fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading,” he said.
“Edo State Government has not—and will not—compensate any individual or group involved in acts of terror or criminality.”
Governor Okpebholo said he remains committed to protecting every citizen regardless of ethnicity or religion. “Our administration has prioritised the safety of all citizens,” Itua noted.
He added that the claim about handing vigilantes to “Fulani authorities” was not only false but “an affront to the memory of the security personnel who serve Edo State with honour.”
Why IPOB is being called out
IPOB, outlawed by the Nigerian government in 2017, is often accused of inciting violence in the South-East. Its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has been blamed for deadly attacks and enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders in Igbo states.
“A group that murders, maims, and imposes illegal sit-at-home orders cannot pretend to care about justice,” the Edo government said. “IPOB is desperate to export their terrorist ideology to Edo State.”
The government described IPOB’s behaviour as criminal and said the group is unwelcome in Edo. “We reject IPOB’s attempts to cause unrest in our land,” the statement said.
Edo officials also mocked IPOB’s attempt to “lecture Southern governors on bravery,” calling it “laughable.”
Fred Itua said the state has asked security agencies to investigate the publication. “No group should be allowed to threaten public peace or instigate ethnic warfare,” he said.
The government praised the unity and peaceful nature of Edo residents. “Edo people are known for their unity, hospitality, and progressive values,” Itua said.
“We stand with the people. We stand for the truth. And we reject terrorism in every form.”
Here’s The Full Press Release
“We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilize the peace and unity of Edo State. It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehoods and incite hatred under the guise of activism. Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail.
Let it be made clear that:
No compensation of ₦6 billion was approved or paid to any group as claimed. The figures and narrative being peddled are fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading. The Edo State Government has not—and will not—compensate any individual or group involved in acts of terror or criminality.
Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to justice and the rule of law. His administration has prioritized the safety of all citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds. The baseless allegation that he handed over vigilantes to “Fulani authorities” is not only a ridiculous lie but an affront to the memory of the security personnel who serve Edo State with honour.
IPOB’s attempt to incite ethnic violence is criminal and rejected by Edo people. The good people of Edo State are known for their unity, hospitality, and progressive values. We reject IPOB’s attempts to use blood-stained rhetoric to cause unrest in our land. Their efforts to export their terrorist ideology into Edo State are dead on arrival.
The group’s audacity to lecture Southern Governors on bravery is laughable. IPOB is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent Nigerians, including Igbos, through its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. A group that murders, maims, and imposes illegal sit-at-home orders in the South-East cannot pretend to care about justice or human rights.
We urge the security agencies to investigate and bring to book the authors of this inciting publication. No group, however loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or attempt to instigate ethnic warfare in a state known for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The Edo State Government will not be distracted by the noise of criminals masquerading as freedom fighters. We will continue to pursue peace, development, and inclusive governance for every resident of Edo State.
We stand with the people. We stand for the truth. And we reject terrorism in every form.”
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