IPOB Slams Sultan of Sokoto: You Ignore Killer Herdsmen but Fear Social Media for Exposing Them
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the recent statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, in which he described social media in Nigeria as a "terrorist organisation" and called for its criminalisation.
In a statement released by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group labelled the Sultan’s remarks as absurd and a clear sign of fear among the northern elite, who are allegedly panicking over the continued exposure of atrocities committed by killer herdsmen.
Referencing proverbs like “a clear conscience fears no accusation” and “the wicked flee when no one pursues,” IPOB accused the Sultan — a key Fulani leader and Islamic spiritual figure — of trying to silence victims and whistleblowers who rely on social media to expose acts of terror, kidnappings, and land grabs allegedly carried out by Fulani militants.
“Instead of condemning the widespread violence and displacement caused by Fulani terrorists, the Sultan is more concerned with silencing the platforms revealing these crimes,” the statement said.
IPOB also criticised both the Sultan and the Nigerian government for consistently failing to acknowledge the true scale of Fulani-linked violence, accusing them of using mainstream media to distort the facts, labeling these attacks as mere “banditry” or “farmer-herder clashes.”
The group praised social media as a powerful tool for Nigerian youth, a source of economic empowerment, and a platform for the oppressed. They believe any attempt to silence social media is a move to suppress the truth and restrict freedom of speech.
“The Sultan can ignore the truth all he wants, but Nigerians and the international community are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by Fulani terrorist groups. Social media is helping to unmask these dangers,” Powerful said.
IPOB concluded by warning that any attempt to shut down social media would ultimately fail.
“If the Sultan is afraid of exposure, then he should tell the terrorists to drop their weapons. IPOB and other indigenous groups will continue to use every legal means — including social media — to resist oppression and shine light on the real causes of insecurity in Nigeria.”
The backlash comes after the Sultan made the controversial remarks during a meeting of Northern Traditional Rulers in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he described social media as a “terrorist organisation” used to spread falsehood and unrest.
His comments have since sparked outrage among Nigerians.
IPOB Slams Sultan of Sokoto: You Ignore Killer Herdsmen but Fear Social Media for Exposing Them
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the recent statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, in which he described social media in Nigeria as a "terrorist organisation" and called for its criminalisation.
In a statement released by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group labelled the Sultan’s remarks as absurd and a clear sign of fear among the northern elite, who are allegedly panicking over the continued exposure of atrocities committed by killer herdsmen.
Referencing proverbs like “a clear conscience fears no accusation” and “the wicked flee when no one pursues,” IPOB accused the Sultan — a key Fulani leader and Islamic spiritual figure — of trying to silence victims and whistleblowers who rely on social media to expose acts of terror, kidnappings, and land grabs allegedly carried out by Fulani militants.
“Instead of condemning the widespread violence and displacement caused by Fulani terrorists, the Sultan is more concerned with silencing the platforms revealing these crimes,” the statement said.
IPOB also criticised both the Sultan and the Nigerian government for consistently failing to acknowledge the true scale of Fulani-linked violence, accusing them of using mainstream media to distort the facts, labeling these attacks as mere “banditry” or “farmer-herder clashes.”
The group praised social media as a powerful tool for Nigerian youth, a source of economic empowerment, and a platform for the oppressed. They believe any attempt to silence social media is a move to suppress the truth and restrict freedom of speech.
“The Sultan can ignore the truth all he wants, but Nigerians and the international community are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by Fulani terrorist groups. Social media is helping to unmask these dangers,” Powerful said.
IPOB concluded by warning that any attempt to shut down social media would ultimately fail.
“If the Sultan is afraid of exposure, then he should tell the terrorists to drop their weapons. IPOB and other indigenous groups will continue to use every legal means — including social media — to resist oppression and shine light on the real causes of insecurity in Nigeria.”
The backlash comes after the Sultan made the controversial remarks during a meeting of Northern Traditional Rulers in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he described social media as a “terrorist organisation” used to spread falsehood and unrest.
His comments have since sparked outrage among Nigerians.
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