Biafra War of Attrition: Commander Gentle’s Urgent Appeal

Commander Gentle

In a passionate and urgent address to the people of Okigwe, Commander Gentle, a prominent figure in the Biafran Liberation Army, has issued a stark warning about the Nigerian government’s alleged plans to escalate tensions in the region. Speaking with conviction, he revealed what he claims are sinister motives behind the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and Simon Ekpa, Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).

Commander Gentle’s message, rooted in a call for vigilance and unity, paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s intentions while urging the youth of Okigwe to stand firm against what he describes as an existential threat.

Allegations of Prolonged Detention and Political Suppression

Commander Gentle asserted that the Nigerian government has no intention of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained since his arrest in Kenya in 2021 and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. Kanu, a polarizing figure advocating for Biafran independence, remains a symbol of resistance for many in the southeast.

Similarly, Gentle claimed that Simon Ekpa, currently under arrest in Finland for his separatist activities, faces concerted efforts by Nigerian authorities to secure his extradition. According to Gentle, these detentions are part of a broader strategy to silence the Biafran movement and suppress the Igbo people’s aspirations for self-determination. “The Nigerian government sees Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa as threats to their control,” Gentle declared. “They will stop at nothing to keep them locked away, using every diplomatic and legal tool to crush our voices.” He cited the Nigerian government’s past engagements with foreign nations, such as Finland, to pressure for Ekpa’s extradition, as evidence of a coordinated effort to dismantle the Biafran leadership.

Claims of a Pro-Jihadist Military Plot

In a particularly alarming revelation, Commander Gentle alleged that the Nigerian military, which he described as “pro-jihadist,” is planning an invasion of Okigwe with the intent to massacre its youth. He claimed this operation aims to decimate the region’s young population, thereby weakening the social and political fabric of the Igbo heartland. “They want to reduce our numbers, to break our spirit,” Gentle warned. “The youth of Okigwe are the future of Biafra, and Nigeria knows this. Their plan is to strike us at our core.” While these claims are grave, they echo longstanding grievances about the Nigerian military’s conduct in the southeast.

Reports from Amnesty International have previously documented excessive force and extrajudicial killings by security forces against pro-Biafra activists, particularly during protests and gatherings between 2015 and 2016.

Nigeria as a “Business Centre” Stifling Progress

Commander Gentle did not mince words in his critique of Nigeria’s state of affairs, describing the country as a “business centre” where elites profit while ordinary citizens languish. “Nigeria is not a nation; it is a marketplace for the powerful,” he said. “No real progress is happening. The roads are crumbling, the schools are failing, and our people are left to fend for themselves.” He pointed to systemic issues like corruption and mismanagement, which have long plagued Nigeria, as evidence of a state that prioritizes control over development. This perspective aligns with broader criticisms of Nigeria’s governance, particularly in the southeast, where many feel marginalized and lingering distrust among the Igbo population.

Gentle’s rhetoric taps into this historical grievance, framing the current struggle as a continuation of the war of attrition against Nigeria.

A Call for Vigilance Among Okigwe Youths

Central to Commander Gentle’s message was a rallying cry for the youths of Okigwe to remain vigilant. “You are the backbone of this struggle,” he urged. “Do not let your guard down. The enemy is watching, and they will exploit any weakness.” He emphasized the need for unity and preparedness, encouraging young people to organize and protect their communities from potential threats.

Gentle’s appeal comes at a time when the region is already on edge, with reports of violence and insecurity attributed to both separatist militias and security forces. The youth, often caught in the crossfire, are both victims and actors in this complex conflict, making Gentle’s message resonate deeply with those who feel disenfranchised.

Rebuke of Obekwo Dike and Alex Onyema

In a pointed aside, Commander Gentle called out some individuals including—Obekwo Dike and Alex Onyema—for actions he deemed detrimental to the Biafran cause. He accused Dike, whom he associated with Abriba, of meddling in local affairs and urged him to “return to his people in Abriba.”

Similarly, Gentle accused Alex Onyema of spreading propaganda that undermines the struggle. “Stop misleading our people with lies,” he warned, without elaborating on the specific nature of Onyema’s alleged falsehoods.

A Call for Unity and Resistance

Commander Gentle concluded his address with a fervent call for unity among the people of Okigwe and the broader Igbo community. “We are not just fighting for today but for the future of our children,” he said. “Biafra is not a dream; it is our right.” He reiterated the need to resist what he described as Nigeria’s oppressive tactics, urging the people to support the Biafran cause through peaceful and defensive means.

Commander Gentle’s address to the people of Okigwe is a powerful reflection of the ongoing Biafran struggle, rooted in historical grievances and fueled by contemporary frustrations. His allegations of Nigerian government plans to detain Kanu and Ekpa indefinitely, coupled with claims of a military plot to target Okigwe’s youth, underscore the deep mistrust between the southeast and the federal government.

As the region grapples with insecurity, economic challenges, and political marginalization, voices like Commander Gentle’s highlight the enduring legacy of the Nigerian Civil War and the unresolved quest for Biafran self-determination. The youths of Okigwe, and indeed the broader Igbo community, face a critical juncture: to heed calls for resistance while navigating the fine line between activism and escalation in a volatile region.