The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)

  • IPOB stay at home order: Schools remain closed

    IPOB stay at home order: Schools remain closed

    The stay at home directive given by both Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) could be said to be a partial success in Umuahia and its environs.
    The Nation in Umuahia after going round the city saw most of the schools closed as the classrooms were under lock and key while the premises were totally empty as there were no pupils in the school.
    One of the teachers who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity said that she came to school to meet the school devoid of any pupil and that she was just hanging around to see if any of her colleagues will come around.
    When asked the reason behind the school being empty she said, “I am sure it is because of the directive by IPOB that people should stay at home in remembrance of the heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the civil war”.
    “I support the directive as those who were killed during the war and others without arms who were killed by some security operatives in different cities across the South East zone while demonstrating for Biafra should be remembered”.
    “We need to remember them as most of them were bread winners of their different homes and families, those they left behind should be allowed to stay at home today to mourn them and also remember them in their prayers”.
    However the banks in the state capital were close for business as people and customers were seen trooping in and out from the banks looking dejected while the ATM in most of the banks were crowded.
    At one of the banks gate was open while the entrance into the banking hall was closed when asked one of the security men at the bank compound said that they have to close the bank to avoid any unforeseen problems.
    He said that if the bank is closed for one day that it will not make them loose any thing, “But if we open and there is a problem we would have lost a lot so it is better we remain closed for today and save cost”.
    Meanwhile security was beefed up in the state capital as policemen, Civil Defence and other arms of security agencies were seen at every corner while the police helicopter was seen hovering round the city and Aba.
  • Police confirm arrest of IPOB, MASSOB members

    Police confirm arrest of IPOB, MASSOB members

    The Police in Ebonyi on Saturday confirmed the arrest of some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in various part of the state for alleged unlawful sensitization programme.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Jude Madu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the arrested suspects also included members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    Madu said that the suspects were arrested for unlawfully sensitizing the public to stay at home on May 30, in observance of the group anniversary.

    “They would be charged to court and the command would ensure that they are duly prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “IPOB and MASSOB are illegal groups and did not get permission from the police to embark on such exercise which threatens the peace and security of the state.

    “The command with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Titus Lamorde, has commenced intensive sensitization of the populace to disregard the sit-at-home directive and go about their lawful businesses,” he said.

    Madu warned members of the group not to carry out outlawed activities within the state before, during and after May 30, as the full weight of the law would be brought on any defaulter.

    “Any person or group found culpable would be arrested and duly prosecuted as the groups’ activities amount to mutiny or fighting a sitting and legally recognized government.

    “IPOB and MASSOB are techniques developed by some individuals to gain public interest and recognition as the former is even a breakaway organ of the latter.

    “These groups have not provided amenities or other forms of social security for the people they are directing to stay at home; it shows that their intentions are not sincere and must be rejected by all,” he said.

    He advised the groups that not everybody was interested in issues concerning secession as people still remember the horrors of the civil war and other upheavals in the country after then.

    According to him, they should realize that most people are not interested in their preaching, therefore, they should not force anybody to be involved in their illegal and unlawful practices.

    Madu called on traditional rulers and town unions across the state to assist the police in sensitizing the people and provide relevant information about the group’s activities.

    “The command has distributed various call contacts (numbers) to the public to report activities of these groups within this period, especially molestation, if they refuse heeding to the stay-at home order.

    “Any gathering of two or more people propagating the IPOB/MASSOB messages or executing related activities should be promptly reported to the police for immediate actions,” he said.

    A NAN Correspondent who visited the state police command reports that the arrested IPOB members were upbeat and chanting solidarity songs.

     

  • Police confirm arrest of IPOB, MASSOB members

    Police confirm arrest of IPOB, MASSOB members

    The Police in Ebonyi on Saturday confirmed the arrest of some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in various part of the state for alleged unlawful sensitization programme.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Jude Madu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the arrested suspects also included members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    Madu said that the suspects were arrested for unlawfully sensitizing the public to stay at home on May 30, in observance of the group anniversary.

    “They would be charged to court and the command would ensure that they are duly prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “IPOB and MASSOB are illegal groups and did not get permission from the police to embark on such exercise which threatens the peace and security of the state.

    “The command with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Titus Lamorde, has commenced intensive sensitization of the populace to disregard the sit-at-home directive and go about their lawful businesses,” he said.

    Madu warned members of the group not to carry out outlawed activities within the state before, during and after May 30, as the full weight of the law would be brought on any defaulter.

    “Any person or group found culpable would be arrested and duly prosecuted as the groups’ activities amount to mutiny or fighting a sitting and legally recognized government.

    “IPOB and MASSOB are techniques developed by some individuals to gain public interest and recognition as the former is even a breakaway organ of the latter.

    “These groups have not provided amenities or other forms of social security for the people they are directing to stay at home; it shows that their intentions are not sincere and must be rejected by all,” he said.

    He advised the groups that not everybody was interested in issues concerning secession as people still remember the horrors of the civil war and other upheavals in the country after then.

    According to him, they should realize that most people are not interested in their preaching, therefore, they should not force anybody to be involved in their illegal and unlawful practices.

    Madu called on traditional rulers and town unions across the state to assist the police in sensitizing the people and provide relevant information about the group’s activities.

    “The command has distributed various call contacts (numbers) to the public to report activities of these groups within this period, especially molestation, if they refuse heeding to the stay-at home order.

    “Any gathering of two or more people propagating the IPOB/MASSOB messages or executing related activities should be promptly reported to the police for immediate actions,” he said.

    A NAN Correspondent who visited the state police command reports that the arrested IPOB members were upbeat and chanting solidarity songs.

     

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    Nnamdi Kanu’s release excites MASSOB

    The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) has expressed gladness over the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from Prison.

    MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu in statement said: “We rejoice with millions of Biafrans all over the world, it is a stepping progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration. It is a triumph of light over darkness.”

    According to MASSOB, his release has opened a new dimension to Biafra struggle  which must continue to be anchored on non-violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.

    “As Nnamdi Kanu regained freedom, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons.

    “MASSOB as the most prominent pro Biafra group that supports Mazi Nnamdi Kanu believes that there are credible Igbo senators and Jewish religious leaders who can stand for Nnamdi Kanu. Standing for Nnamdi Kanu means standing for Ndigbo because we still have credible senators which have been proved by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who can never be intimidated or subjected to cowardice because of the conditions of the bail granted to Nnamdi Kanu.

    “MASSOB did not shake or entertain fears or jittery over the stringent bail conditions granted to Nnamdi Kanu because we know that the people of Biafra are capable of dismounting  any confrontational strongholds against the actualization and restoration of Biafra.

    The bail conditions established against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal government of Nigeria is a soft landing subtly given to themselves to ease their shame.

    “MASSOB salutes and hails the oneness of unifying forces of Igbo senators led by Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe with the backup of Igbo governors and other prominent Nigerians in their swift response in perfecting the bail conditions of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If such brotherhood tempo continues, Ndigbo will achieve any height in Nigeria without much difficulties,” concluded the statement.

     

  • MASSOB/IPOB alleges plans to kill Kanu

    MASSOB/IPOB alleges plans to kill Kanu

    Members of two pro-Biafra groups; Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (‎MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised alarm over the safety of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu at the Medium Prison, Abuja

    The State Coordinator of MASSOB in Abia State, Comrade Anayochukwu Okpara in a telephone interview on Tuesday told our correspondent in Aba the incident at the Kuje ‎Medium Prison was sponsored and alleged that it was a calculated attempt to eliminated Kanu by the powers that be in the country.

    Okpara warned that should anything happen to Kanu, MASSOB, IPOB and other pro-Biafra groups would be forced to abandon their peaceful disposition over the struggle for the emancipation of the Sovereign state of Biafra.

    He used the opportunity to condemn the persistent attacks and killings of “Biafrans” across the “Biafra territories”.

    According to him, “we condemn the invasion of our farm lands, the raping of our sisters and mothers, the killing of our innocent brothers and destruction of property by the so-called Fulani herd’s men. The recent attacks and killing of people in Enugu community is babaric and should be totally condemned.

    “We are giving the Hausa/Fulani herds men seven days to leave Biafra land because they have bitten more than they can chew and we cannot fold our arms and see this happen again”.

    Another member of IPOB who gave his name as Chukwuma corroborating ‎Okpara’s position lamented the long incarceration and slow pace of Kanu’s trial, stressing that it was an attempt to discourage Kanu followers.

    Chukwuma while urging members of IPOB to remain calm also expressed confidence that Kanu and other Biafta agitators would not be cowed into the plans of the federal government of Nigeria to quench the struggle of liberating the people of old Eastern Region from the hands of “bad leadership”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police arrest 17 MASSOB members in Owerri

    Police arrest 17 MASSOB members in Owerri

    The police in Owerri on Monday arrested some 17 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for holding a road show in commemoration of 49th anniversary of Biafra.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the arrests, said those arrested would be prosecuted.

    The MASSOB members began the march at Waterside Primary School, Owerri, from where they moved to Rotibi Street to Oguamana Street before linking Douglas Road.

    At Douglas Road the marchers met heavily armed security men, who threw teargas at them at Ama JK end of the street and arrested some.

    Mr Okechukwu Nwogu, a leader of MASSOB, said it was regrettable that the police arrested members of the group who were on a peaceful march to commemorate the 49th anniversary of Biafra and 17th anniversary of MASSOB.

    “What Nigeria government is doing to us is very unfair; MASSOB is a non-violent group moving without arms in remembrance of our history.

    `Nwogu called on Igbo leaders to come out and speak for Igbo people being unjustly treated by security forces.

    Earlier Chief Canice Anojuru, the spokesman for MASSOB in Owerri zone, said the group decided to hold the road show to awaken the consciousness of the people of the defunct Biafra.

    Anojuru said the road show was to draw the attention of international community to the plight of Biafra people.

    He added that the group had achieved a lot despite obvious challenges.

    On the recent invasion of Nimbo community in Enugu state by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the group advised the people of south-east to be more vigilant to forestall future attacks in the area.

    “As a group, we frown at the rate at which human beings were killed and maimed, farmlands destroyed, women raped, and buildings razed by these Fulani herdsmen.

    “We are calling on all people of Southeast area to be more vigilant and extra careful over this recent development,’’ Anojuru said.

    The group advised people of the area to be careful in engaging people whose identity were not clear to them as security men, gardeners and house-keepers.

     

  • Biafra groups meet in Accra

    Biafra groups meet in Accra

    A four day All Biafra Conference kicked off Friday in Accra, Ghana.

    The first Biafran conference was convened by an independent and neutral international organization affiliated with United Nations, Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS).

    A statement issued from Accra by the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said some Biafra groups in attendance include MASSOB, Biafra Liberation Council, Ekwenche Organization, Biafra Liberation Crusade, Biafra National Youth League, Customary Government of Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), representatives of some Niger Delta Ethnic groups.

    Dr Ebenezer Akwanga, secretary general of OEAS who after registration and accreditation briefed the participants on the reasons of the conference emphasized much on the unity and oneness of mind towards Biafra actualization and restoration irrespective of groups’ ideology, interest or modus operandi.

    Immediately after the briefing, the participating groups entered into a family meeting , which is ongoing.

    According to Madu,the reasons of the conference “is to strategize mutually on building synergies and mutual understanding towards Biafra actualization and restoration through establishing a common Biafra platform that will bind the indifferences of Biafra groups together.

    “Secondly to restrategise on the more effective way of securing the release of Biafra detainees in Nigeria and in diaspora.”