Hunt for IPOB members by FG continues   

Patrick Brisibe,

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THE Nigeria Army has continued its hunt for members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB in the South-South and South-Eastern states of the country amidst the continuous proscription of the group as a terrorist organization despite the court cases by the group that it is not a pressure group.

The Nigerian Army through its Operation Python Dance, also known as Operation Egu-eke II, had in September, launched the grill and made some arrest particularly persons belonging to IPOB for various offences.

In pursuant to the proscription of the group, security operatives have continued its hunt for prominent members of the group including such as Emeka Kalu, Chukwuebube Nnamdi, Timothy Bebeteidoh, Eluka Chidi all of whom are believed to be allies to the leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu who is wanted by the Nigerian government, had released a statement on September 16 claiming that personnel of the Nigeria Army under the guise of the military grill invaded his house with Armoured Personnel Carriers and killed scores of IPOB members adding that his safety is no longer guaranteed.

“Before now, prominent leaders and groups had insisted that I toe the line of peaceful dialogue and meet with the governors to find a lasting solution to our grievances. I conceded to that request, which led to the 30th of August 2017 meeting with the South-East Governors Forum at the Government House in Enugu, in the company of the very eminent Prof. Ben Nwabueze and Evangelist Elliott Ugochukwu-Ukoh,” Kanu stated in the statement.

Speaking further, he said: “In view of the concerted effort by the oppressive Nigerian state to shatter the peace and tranquility of the South-East and the rest of Biafra land through military intimidation, it has become necessary for me to clarify why, regrettably, I may not be able to attend Friday’s meeting with the South-East governors as earlier agreed, for three main reasons.

“We are currently busy attending to our dead and injured from this latest round of unprovoked military onslaught against innocent civilians in our own land. All the casualties so far were shot by men of the Nigerian Army deployed to my house and those stationed along motor ways leading into Umuahia, my hometown.

“I have been reliably informed also, that a detachment of this same soldiers responsible for the murder of innocent unarmed IPOB family members have now been stationed near Enugu to ambush and assassinate me on my way to the meeting with the governors on Friday.

“On that same Friday the 15th of September 2017, the leadership of IPOB through the instrumentality of the Directorate of State (DOS) head-quartered in Germany, will be meeting to vote on the viability or otherwise of continuing our struggle in this non-violent manner. There is urgent need to begin the process of defending ourselves in the face of relentless murderous attacks from the Nigerian state.

“It is impossible to engage in any meaningful conversation with the governors in the midst of so much bloodshed, abductions and military siege of our town and villages. Accordingly, we will not engage in any meeting with anybody until the atmosphere is conducive and peaceful enough to allow for such.

“The siren-blaring military convoys and armoured vehicles occupying the entire region is not only designed to intimidate our people, but also deliberately primed to scuttle the IPOB/South-East governors meeting of Friday 15th September.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank all men and women of good conscience from all over the world that has risen to condemn the barbaric slaughter of innocent Biafrans by the Nigerian military. Above all, I salute the steadfastness, devotion and total commitment to freedom from eternal slavery by the great IPOB family in Biafra land. I assure you that I remain resolute and dedicated to our shared vision of freedom regardless of the cost and visionless antics of the mindless oppressor.”

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