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Tag: IPOB

  • South-East governors set up committee to probe Army/ IPOB clash

    South-East governors set up committee to probe Army/ IPOB clash

    The South-East Governors’ Forum has set-up a seven- man committee to investigate the recent clash between the Nigerian Army and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) members in Umuahia, Abia State.

    The forum’s Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Michael Udah, said in a statement on Tuesday, the committee is expected to submit its report on September 15.

    Udah did not mention the leader of the committee, but said it was set-up to proffer lasting solutions to such problems and forestall future occurrences.

    He said: “Reports in the social media that the governors condemned the alleged attack on IPOB members are false, but instead, they are working assiduously to bring lasting peace and stability to the zone.

    “I did not tell any medium on the social and print media that the governors condemned the incident as they would soon meet to review the situation.”

    Udah said the governors were consulting with relevant stakeholders in the zone including the military to ensure clarity of positions.

    “I urge my colleagues in the media to exercise decorum in their reportage to avoid creation of false and embarrassing impressions about sensitive national issues,” the forum’s spokesman added.

    NAN

  • Kanu: Southeast governors worried over shooting

    Kanu: Southeast governors worried over shooting

    Governors of the Southeast states yesterday expressed worry over Sunday’s shooting near the residence of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu in Umuahia.

    The governors expressed regret that the incident came at a time they were making concerted efforts to broker peace between federal authorities and the Biafra agitators.

    Director of Information of the Southeast Governors’ Forum Secretariat, Mike Udah, said the incident had punctured the peace moves initiated by the governors.

    “The Southeast governors are worried that the relationship between the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the government is degenerating into this kind of ugly situation.

    “They did not want this kind of situation to occur and that was why they invited the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, with Prof. Ben Nwabueze to their meeting in Enugu. So, they are working to ensure that such situation does not reoccur.

    “The Southeast governors do not want a situation where the South East would be seen as working against the Federal Government. They don’t want a situation where there would be a breakdown of law and order. They don’t want a situation where it will appear that there is a strained relationship between the people of Southeast and the Federal Government.

    “The Southeast governors want peace and amicable resolution of whatever is the problem between the two parties. That was why they invited the IPOB leader, Kanu and Prof. Ben Nwabueze the other time to their meeting in Enugu.”

    The governors, however, appealed to the Federal Government to handle the situation in a mature way. They disclosed that they would continue to do their best possible to ensure that the situation does not worsen.

    “They will continue to meet with other pro-Biafra and Igbo groups with a view to ensuring that there is peace in the land. Southeast governors are worried that the ugly situation that took place in Abia State could re-occur,” he added.

    Also yesterday, the Ohaneze Ndigbo condemned the alleged violent altercation.

    In a statement by Publicity Secretary Uche Achi-Okpaga, the group said: “It is a pity that the tenets of democracy are being bruised and battered with reckless impunity in Nigeria.”

    The group also condemned the “operation Python Dance II” announced by the army describing it as a deliberate ploy to gag the Southeast like a conquered territory.

    According to the statement, the recent actions of the Federal Government have cleared all doubts about the disposition and countenance of the APC-led federal Government towards the Igbo.

    “The recent NNPC appointments strongly testify to our vindications and these consequential events dramatise them beyond doubt.

    “Today,Boko Haram is still killing and herdsmen are pulverising villages but it is in the Southeast that is even peaceful that soldiers are deployed at close and strategic points.

    “I think we have overflogged these issues because this is a government that, among other, has been treating ear problem and is not disposed to hear your complaints. We just have a choreographic democracy. May God hear and fight our cause”, he added.

  • Many injured as IPOB alleges plot to kill Kanu, others

    Many injured as IPOB alleges plot to kill Kanu, others

    The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State has alleged a plot by security agencies in the state to eliminate their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     Soldiers in three patrol vans and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on Sunday reportedly shot and injured many IPOB supporters at the country home of their leader (Kanu) at Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, the state capital after some of their members foiled attempt by the soldiers to gain entrance into the palace of Kanu’s father.

     They alleged that they had before the foiled invasion got information from a source that the army authorities in the state have concluded plans to come and abduct Kanu since the court was yet to reverse his bail.

     It was learnt that three members of IPOB were reportedly shot,while others sustained different injuries as the soldiers were said to have shot sporadically following the resistance to allow them gain entrance into Kanu father’s compound.

     Narrating the incident, Nnamdi Kanu in a telephone conversation with newsmen said he was resting at about 6.30pm on Sunday when one of his relatives drew his attention to heavy presence of soldiers at the main entrance to his family home.

     He said before anyone could know what was happening, the soldiers who he claimed came to kill him started  shooting sporadically and in the process wounded so many people.

     The IPOB leader who described the incident as “crude show of power” on innocent and defenceless people of Biafra, said nothing warranted such show of shame on the people that are demanding and charting the course that they believe in.

     He called on his supporters and IPOB members to remain calm in the face of unwarranted attack on them.

     Kanu’s father and the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Community, HRH Eze Israel Kanu described the invasion as “unwarranted and shocking “.
    The monarch said his son committed no crime to warrant military invasion of his palace.

     When contacted, the Army Public Relations Officer, 14Brigade Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi denied the allegations saying  that the soldiers were on routine patrol and did not shot at any IPOB member.

     Gbadamosi however accused the IPOB members of attacking the soldiers and injuring some of the officers in the process.

     But the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeleye Oyebade in response to a text message sent to him by our reporter confirmed the incident.

     Part of the text message stated “Unfortunately, a policeman on guard duties going to work was matcheted by the IPOB group, while a soldier man and a civilian were equally injured. All are being treated in the Police Clinic for minor injuries sustained. Normalcy has been restored, as our men are fully on ground, to ensure no further breach of the peace.”

  • National security: Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others

    The army yesterday told agitators in the Southeast to keep the peace.

    It vowed to deal with any act capable of breaching the peace of the region.

    It mentioned no one or group by name, but the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been holding rallies to demand a Republic of Biafra.

    The IPOB has also threatened to stop the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State from taking place.

    But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, speaking yesterday on the forthcoming second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) in the geo-political zone, said on no account would kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which have become a daily phenomenon in the area be condoned henceforth.

    The military operation is scheduled to commence on September 15, according to Buratai who spoke through the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu.

    It will run for a month and involve raids, cordon and search, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    Buratai said Exercise EGWU EKE II has become expedient in view of  ”the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and  violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.”

    He added: “The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise.

    “Also, in actualizing the COAS vision, which is “To have a Professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, accentuates the call for the conduct of this exercise in conjunction with other security agencies.

     “This operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.  “It will also afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the despicable activities of the marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environs.

     “Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualized to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon. As precursor to a peaceful ember period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the operation.

     “Operation EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    “It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country.

     “In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.”

  • Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others on national security

    Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others on national security

    The Nigerian Army on Friday told agitators in the Southeast to keep the peace.

    It vowed to deal with any act capable of breaching the peace of the region.

    The army didn’t mention any group by name but the Nnamdi kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been holding rallies to demand a Republic of Biafra.

    The IPOB has also threatened to stop the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State from taking place.

    But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, while speaking on the forthcoming second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) in the Southeast, said on no account would kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which have  become a daily phenomenon in the area be condoned henceforth.

    The military operation is scheduled to commence on September 15, according to Buratai who spoke through the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu.

    It will run for a month and involve raids, cordon and search, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    Buratai said Exercise Egwu Eke II has become expedient in view of  “the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and  violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the Southeast part of the country.”

     

  • Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others against violent agitation

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai on friday warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other groups and individuals in the Southeast against any action capable of breaching the peace of the region.

    Addressing a press conference at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Army Chief said the warning has become necessary as the military commenced the second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) by September 15.

    General Buratai whose address was presented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu, said no stone would be left unturned to tackle the problems of kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which had become a daily phenomenon in the southeast of the country.

    He warned would-be trouble-makers that there would be no hiding place for them in the southeastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo as the operations would be carried out by the military, the Department of State Security, DSS, the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    The Army Chief said the operations which he tagged a show of force would last between September 15 and October 14, 2017 and enjoined the people of the southeast not to panic as a result of the exercise.

    General Buratai said: “As you are all aware, the Nigerian Army is constantly carrying out training activities for its personnel in line with its constitutional role in aid of civil authority. More so, Exercise EGWU EKE II has become more expedient due to the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.

    “The need for troops to be exercised, refreshed and imbibe the requisite skills to cope with these emerging security challenges within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility in aid of civil authority calls for this exercise. Also, in actualising the COAS vision, which is “To have a Professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles”, accentuates the call for the conduct of this exercise in conjunction with other security agencies.

    “This operation will be conducted with the involvement of other security agencies such as Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. It will also afford the troops an opportunity to effectively checkmate the despicable activities of the marauding criminals perpetrating criminal acts in the region and its environs.

    “Additionally, OPERATION EGWU EKE II is also conceptualised to transit into real time operations thereby fulfilling both training and operations objectives of sharpening operational skills of personnel as well as providing an avenue to conduct operations against violent criminals and agitators when called upon. As precursor to a peaceful ember period and yuletide, provision has already been made for the smooth conduct of the operation.

    “Operation EGWU EKE II will be unique with the establishment of Brigade Headquarters in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. Emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

    “It is pertinent to mention that Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country.

    ” In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.

    “The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.”

    While General Buratai urged the people to go about their normal businesses without fear, he enjoined the media as partners in progress to educate and enlighten the people about the operation.

  • Police arrest army deserter

    Police arrest army deserter

    A 26-year-old alleged army deserter, Ebeje Nnamdi, suspected to be the trainer of members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been arrested by Police in Anambra.

    Nnamdi was arrested alongside three others for their alleged involvement in armed robbery in Iyi Oji area of Anambra on Wednesday.

    The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Garba Umar, presented the suspects to newsmen on Thursday at the police command headquarters in Amawbia, near Awka.

    The police also arrested 22 suspected cult members who were allegedly conducting their initiation ceremony in a bush.

    Umar said the police recovered 336 rounds of 7.22x39mm, AK-47 live ammunition from the alleged (IPOB) members and their trainer.

    “Police equally recovered three empty AK-47 riffles with magazines, one locally made double barrel pistol with two live cartridges, (IPOB) wears, IPOB flags, muffler, criminal charms and ATM cards.

    “The Army deserter was formally of the 20 Mechanised Battalion, Taraba, in 2014 before he disappeared,’’ Umar said.

    The  commissioner said Nnamdi became a member of a six-man gang responsible for the attacks and killings of policemen at nipping points, robberies at fuel stations including that of Bukachi filling station, Eziowelle, both in Onitsha on Aug. 31, 2017.

    Others who were arrested alongside Nnamdi were 26-year-old Onyebuchi Peter Ali and Ugwuokpe Nnaemeka, he said.

    Umar said their case was under investigation and that they would be charged to court after investigation.

    He also  said that two members of a four-man gang of kidnappers were arrested, while one was killed in a gun battle with members of the state anti robbery squad (SARS), while the victim was rescued.

    H said the alleged kidnapers were said to have abducted one John Ifediorah of Umuganagu village to Iyi Oji shrine, where he was said to have been subjected to torture before the police swooped on them.

    Those arrested during the raid, he said, were Chukwudi Nwabundo and Obiora Madubueze, while Chinaza Udeezue was killed during the gun battle in the Aguleri bush.

    The commissioner further said that the 22 cultists were apprehended at their initiation centre at Nnewi when the police teams from the Special Anti-Cultism (SPAC) cordoned off the place.

    Umar said the suspects were members of Junior Vikings confraternity (JVC), Ayees, Aro, 2-2, Bagger, Baby Ayees and black axe and were of between the ages of 16 and 25.

    Some of the items recovered from them included one locally made revolver pistol with one live ammunition; one locally made pistol gun with three live cartridges; daggers; three short axes; three machetes; one black turban belonging to Aro; muffler and black berets.

    “The Anambra State Police command has continued to deliver on its mandate of protecting the lives and property of the people of the State.

    “The command has been achieving results in the fight against crime due to the cooperation of well meaning people in the state. We solicit that such synergy should be sustained.

    “I wish to reiterate the readiness of the command to continue partnering with other security agencies and law abiding citizens of the state to eliminate all forms of crime and criminalities.

    “I wish to advise parents to take care of their children/wards so as to reduce cult activities in the society,’’ Umar said.

    The commissioner advised the people of the state to always report to the police or other security agencies any suspicious movement for urgent intervention.

  • We didn’t accuse FG of killing IPOB members – S’ East governors

    We didn’t accuse FG of killing IPOB members – S’ East governors

    The South-East Governors’ Forum has described a report saying it accused the Federal Government of killing members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a ’’tissue of lie from the pit of hell.”

    The Chairman of the forum, Dave Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, said the report was a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    He said the report was intended to embarrass the forum and bring confusion between the governors and federal government to thwart the peace processes initiated with IPOB.

    “The originators of the falsehood are trying to sabotage the process of moving the zone forward and achieve lasting peace in it,” the Ebony governor said.

    He noted that although it was the forum’s responsibility to protect the people’s lives and property, including IPOB members, it should not be linked to politics.

    Umahi said: “The writer and his paymasters, failed to appreciate the peace agreements reached between the governors’ forum and leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, during its last meeting in Enugu.

    “The forum, therefore, wishes to assure the public that the communiqué raised during its last meeting with IPOB leadership still stands and anybody circulating any contrary report is Ndigbo’s real enemy.

    “Such reports should, therefore, be disregarded as there was no such meeting against the federal government by the forum.”

     

  • S/East governors’ forum denies meeting against FG

    S/East governors’ forum denies meeting against FG

    The Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, David Umahi has debunked reports making the rounds alleging that the body met behind closed doors where they accused the federal government of killing members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and other issues.

    Umahi was reacting to a report credited to one Comrade Nwankpa Osita Okere alleging that the forum met in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state where they accused the federal government of brutality on Ndigbo.

    Umahi who is also the Governor of Ebonyi State described the report as tissues of lies from the pit of hell.

    The governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor described the report as nothing but a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    He alleged that the said report was craftily done to embarrass the forum and create friction between the Governors of the zone and the federal government as part of efforts to thwart the ongoing peace process with the IPOB.

    He accused the originators of the falsehood of trying to sabotage the peace process already in motion between the forum and leadership of the IPOB especially as it concerns the rebuilding process and way forward to achieving lasting peace in the zone.

    “The attention of the forum has been drawn to a report circulating in various social media platforms, alleging that the South East Governors met behind closed doors at the Government House Abakaliki where they reached a consensus and accused the federal government of killing members of IPOB,” said the statement.

    “While it is our responsibility to protect the lives and property of our people including the IPOB, it is rather embarrassing to link the forum to whatever politics of bitterness in any part of the country”

    “Firstly, the writer and his paymasters failed to meet up with the realities on ground as concerns the already initiated move between the governors’ forum and leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu reached during our last meeting in our secretariat in Enugu.

    “It is therefore the wish of the forum to assure the general public that the communiqué raised during our last meeting with IPOB leadership still stands and anybody circulating any report contrary is the real enemy of Ndigbo and should be disregarded”

    The statement further disclosed that there was no such meeting as reported by the agent, adding that the Chairman of the forum, Governor Umahi whom he quoted as issuing the statement was not even in the country as he is outside the country on investment drive for the development of his state.

    He said that the forum is working in synergy with the federal government and other federating units towards economic and regional integration and development of the South East region.

    The governor further called on members of the public to disregard every attempt by amorphous groups to instigate crisis between the zone and the federal government.

     

  • Plot to disrupt Anambra poll: Court orders service of processes on Kanu, IPOB

    Plot to disrupt Anambra poll: Court orders service of processes on Kanu, IPOB

    •October 9 for hearing of suit

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that court processes (documents) be served on Nnamdi Kanu and his group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on a suit seeking to restrain them from disrupting the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.

    Justice Babatunde Quadri gave the order for service of court processes on the respondents after listening to the arguments by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Smart Iheazor, for leave to serve the processes on Kanu and IPOB outside Abuja.

    Other respondents in the suit are: the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

    The plaintiff, Dr Richard Ndubuaku, who described himself as businessman in Awka, AnambrA State capital, with property in Onitsha and other parts of the state, prayed the court to restrain Kanu, IPOB, their agents and members from making utterances or taking actions that are inimical to the conduct of the November 18 poll.

    He also prayed the court to restrain Kanu and IPOB from further harassing or intimidating eligible voters in Anambra State or mobilising their members to scuttle the planned election.

    Ndubuaku argued that there was need for the court to grant the orders he sought because Kanu and members of his group could carry out their threat to disrupt the election, if not restrained.

    The businessman noted that if allowed to proceed with their threat, Kanu and IPOB members could cause irreparable damage to him and other innocent residents of Anambra State.

    The plaintiff, in a supporting affidavit, averred that Kanu and other IPOB members “have serially made utterances and threats to disrupt the conduct of the governorship election in Anambra State this November”.

    He added: “The respondents (first and second) are capable of carrying out their threat. And if this happens, many lives will be lost. And properties (will be) destroyed, which will include that of the plaintiff.

    “If the defendants are not restrained, their actions may lead to confrontation. With other law-abiding citizens, who insist on electing their governor and a clash with the defendants will occasion a blood bath as there would be a breakdown of law and order.”