The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly denied allegations that it is responsible for 776 deaths and substantial economic losses across Nigeria's South-East region.

In a statement issued by the group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB rejected findings contained in a recent report by SBM Intelligence that linked the group to widespread violence and economic downturn in the region.

"Any incident attributed to sit-at-home actions should not be automatically linked to IPOB," the statement read. "Our organization has made it clear that we do not support any form of violence or disruption of public life."

IPOB emphasized that it officially cancelled the Monday sit-at-home directive in 2021, and that its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had previously disowned individuals or groups independently enforcing such orders.

The group maintained that no credible evidence has been presented directly connecting it to the incidents cited in the report. IPOB called for independent verification of the allegations, urging those responsible for the report to provide substantiation through appropriate legal channels.

The statement also questioned the timing of the report's publication, noting that it came shortly before Biafra Heroes Day — an annual commemoration held on May 30 to honor individuals who died during the Nigerian Civil War.

"This period is deeply significant to our members and supporters. We hope that discussions and publications around this time would reflect sensitivity and balance," IPOB added.

The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions in the South-East region, where security concerns have remained a significant challenge for both residents and government authorities.