The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the United States has announced plans for a mass protest in Washington, D.C., to oppose an alleged visit by a Nigerian government delegation seeking to “polish Nigeria’s image.”
In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the protest would be peaceful but “unmistakably powerful,” accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of trying to mislead the international community about Nigeria’s human rights record.
“A high-level Nigerian delegation is heading to the U.S. to deceive world leaders into believing that peace and justice exist in Nigeria. We will not allow them to cover the blood,” the group said.
The group claimed widespread violence, displacement, and religious persecution across Nigeria, pledging solidarity with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on alleged “Christian genocide” in the country.
Powerful added that IPOB’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had long warned about “a jihadist expansion and land-grabbing agenda,” saying the protest would honor his “sacrifice” by exposing the truth in Washington.
IPOB called on Biafrans, Judeo-Christians, Yoruba Nation supporters, Middle Belt groups, and other Indigenous peoples in the diaspora to join what it described as a “mass, peaceful, unstoppable display of conscience.”
Details of the protest, including date and location, will be announced soon, the group said.
The planned protest follows Donald Trump’s recent statement declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian killings. Trump warned that the U.S. might cut aid or even take military action if the Nigerian government failed to stop the violence.
In response, President Tinubu dismissed the genocide claims as “mischaracterisations,” reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom and equality for all citizens.
