By Chinyere Onwudiwe
As the federal government intensifies its clampdown on members, supporters, and apologists of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), alarming dimensions of the ongoing crackdown have become apparent. The dream of realizing Biafra’s independence seems more elusive than ever as scores of IPOB members and supporters face incarceration or even death. Surprisingly, a significant number of individuals associated with the secessionist group have vanished without a trace. While IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu remains in custody since his arrest in June 2021, suppression, oppression, victimization, and extrajudicial killings of IPOB members and supporters persist unchecked.
Investigations have revealed that close allies of IPOB, who previously operated discreetly within Nigeria, have been compromised, betrayed, or exposed. One such individual is Kenechukwu Jude Emmagbodike, a renowned broadcaster and journalist employed by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Emmagbodike, popularly known as Kene, was last seen on air presenting NTA’s flagship weekend newscast, ‘Weekend File,’ on November 12, 2022. More than a year later, Kene’s absence from both the airwaves and public view has sparked concerns.
Our correspondent’s investigations have uncovered a coordinated plot by government agents to detain Emmagbodike over allegations of his deep connection and involvement with the proscribed organization, IPOB. This incident coincides with a renewed nationwide crackdown on IPOB apologists by federal forces. Kene’s sudden disappearance represents just one of many cases that illustrate the inhumane treatment faced by IPOB members and supporters in this era.
“Clamping down on individuals for their political ideologies in a modern era is, to say the least, unfortunate. It is even more barbaric considering that acceptable norms for addressing such situations are ignored in a supposed free and democratic society,” expressed an anonymous IPOB stalwart.
The growing trend of extrajudicial killings of IPOB members and supporters within the country, coupled with the activities of unknown gunmen undermining security in the region, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Colleagues and contacts of Mr. Emmagbodike have voiced their disillusionment and concern for his well-being. They lamented the broadcaster’s abrupt departure after serving the NTA meritoriously for 25 years since 1998.
The disappearance of Kenechukwu Jude Emmagbodike, since November, 2022, along with the larger crackdown on IPOB apologists, raises serious questions about human rights violations and the state of democracy in Nigeria. It serves as a chilling reminder that individuals with differing political ideologies can become targets in a nation that purports to be free. As the situation unfolds, the country awaits answers and actions that adhere to the principles of justice and respect for fundamental human rights.
