Stay Away from Sowore’s October 20 Protest, Group Warns Igbo Traders and Youth
As calls grow for nationwide demonstrations on October 20, 2025, a coalition advocating for the peaceful release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has urged Nigerians, especially Igbo traders and youth, to shun the planned protest allegedly convened by activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a press briefing in Abuja, Barrister Emejulu Okpalaukwu Okpalaezeukwu, Convener and Executive Secretary of the Task Force and Committees for Free and Release of Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB, advised the public to stay away from the protest, warning that it could be hijacked by political interests seeking to exploit the Igbo struggle for selfish gains.
Okpalaezeukwu alleged that some opposition politicians are sponsoring the protest to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a “dangerous ploy” that may endanger innocent citizens.
He further noted that, like the #EndSARS demonstrations of 2020, the protest could turn violent and lead to unnecessary loss of lives if participants ignore warnings from security agencies.
“Let all traders, youth, students and civil servants go about their normal businesses,” he appealed. “If protests must take place, let those for or against the government do so peacefully. Ndi Igbo must not be drawn into another crisis.”
The statement added that spiritual and political efforts are already underway to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release through peaceful means, insisting that confrontation on the streets could jeopardise ongoing negotiations.
Copies of the letter were sent to key Igbo groups, traditional institutions, and security agencies, including the Presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector General of Police.
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