The Enugu State Government has pledged to present evidence against Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing him of inciting violence and exploiting the Igbo people.

Simon Ekpa was recently arrested in Finland and charged with spreading terrorist propaganda, a case linked to activities dating back to 2021.

His arrest has been welcomed as a crucial step toward restoring peace in Nigeria’s southeast, a region plagued by violence allegedly linked to his IPOB faction.

Describing Ekpa as a “criminal and fraudster,” the Enugu government claimed he thrives on extorting and manipulating Ndigbo under the guise of championing their cause.

It emphasized that his actions have caused significant harm to lives, property, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the southeast.

The state reaffirmed its commitment to providing evidence of Ekpa’s atrocities to ensure justice and aid the ongoing trial. Officials believe this will strengthen peace and stability across the southeast.

Tensions have risen in the Bakassi Peninsula as Cameroonian soldiers detained several Nigerians following the October 1, 2024, kidnapping of Divisional Officer Ewane Roland and another official, Etongo Ismaeil, by gunmen using a flying boat.

According to Eniola Alabo, a former chairman of the Yoruba community in the region, Cameroonian authorities blamed Nigerians for the abduction and conducted raids, detaining individuals and firing shots to intimidate residents. Detained Nigerians included Iseoluwa Eniola, Feran Ajimosun, and others.

The situation escalated when South-West Governor Bernard Okalia visited the area on October 8, declaring a lockdown and ordering residents to produce Roland within 72 hours. The lockdown left many Nigerians unable to work or access food, forcing some to defy the order after weeks of hardship.

In retaliation, Cameroonian soldiers raided Idabato again in mid-November, arresting more Nigerians and injuring others. Churches, which had reopened, were targeted, and pastors, including Adeleke Omoniye and Etim Asuquo, were arrested.

Nigerian community leaders have urged the government to intervene, as fears grow over safety and economic disruptions in the region

In a tragic turn of events, bandits have kidnapped the village head of Ungwan Babangida, Babangida Sojiji, along with 14 others in Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night when heavily armed attackers stormed Ungwan Babangida Village, firing sporadically before abducting their victims.

The youth leader of Dokan Karji, Aminu Khalid, confirmed the attack over the weekend, stating that the victims included three women and nine men. Two of the abducted individuals were laborers from Jigawa State and Ikara LGA of Kaduna State.

This kidnapping follows closely on the heels of another incident in the same LGA, where bandits abducted four farmers in Libere community on Wednesday, intensifying fears among residents.

Khalid emphasized the dire situation facing Kauru communities, calling for urgent military intervention.

“Federal Government and security operatives must intensify efforts to cripple the activities of these criminals who have made life difficult for villagers,” he said. He highlighted how many breadwinners have been killed, leaving communities in distress.

Despite the challenges, Khalid commended local vigilante groups for their resilience and constant efforts to thwart banditry, noting their success in foiling multiple kidnapping attempts.

The people of Kauru LGA now await decisive action from the government to restore peace and security to their region.