The Igbo community in Sokoto State has undertaken a Christmas visit to Sokoto Prison, where the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is serving his sentence.
A statement by the leadership of the community, signed by Nze A. C. Madu and made available to journalists on Thursday, said “the initiative was inspired by the disposition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently detained at the facility”.
The statement described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and communal solidarity, noting that members of the Igbo community celebrated Christmas with the IPOB leader and all the inmates during the visit.
“Understanding his (Kanu’s) reported preference not to dine alone, especially during the festive season of Christmas, the community made a decisive and inclusive choice.
“Rather than limiting their generosity to a single individual, they elected to provide festive meals for the entire inmate population of the facility. This benevolent act ensured that all approximately 1,300 inmates shared in the spirit of the season,” the statement added.
The leadership of the Igbo Community in Sokoto further explained that the gesture is rooted in the enduring Igbo principle of Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya (be your brother’s keeper) and the universal values of charity and fellowship.
“It was performed as a humanitarian service to all, irrespective of origin or circumstance, and underscores a commitment to humanity and shared goodwill, offering a moment of comfort and inclusivity during the holiday period,” the statement further explained.
The Sokoto Igbo community expressed hope that the gesture would serve as a message of peace and unity for all.
