- We’ll take up arms to actualize Biafra — MASSOB
By Henry Umoru, Chidi Nkwopara, Vincent Ujumadu, Anayo Okoli, Joseph Erunke, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Francis Igata, Peter Okutu, Okonkwo Nwabueze & Chimaobi Nwaiwu
Following allegation of massacre of members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Monday, by security agents in Onitsha, the 82nd Division, Nigerian Army said, yesterday, it merely invoked the extant Rules of Engagement (ROE) to resort to self-defence and protect the strategic Niger Bridge.
It also said its action was borne out of the need to prevent reinforcement by the pro-Biafran members, apparently surging ahead from the far side of the strategic Niger Bridge in Onitsha.
The Army also said five members of MASSOB/IPOB were killed, eight wounded, while nine were arrested. In a statement signed by Deputy Army Public Relations Officer, Colonel H. A. Gambo, the army accused IPOB and MASSOB of launching a combined attack on the peace-loving populace as well as security agencies at about 0415 hours on May 30, 2016, to mar the first anniversary of the present democratic government. The statement read:
“The attention of the general public is, hereby, drawn to the unwarranted attack launched by combined members of Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, against the peace-loving populace as well as security agencies at about 0415 hours on May 30, 2016. “This attack was purported to have been orchestrated to mar the first anniversary of the present democratic government as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Biafra.
“Due to the widespread panic, tension and apprehension that generated from the activities of MASSOB and IPOB members, security agencies which comprised detachments of the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, Department of State Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, were compelled to intervene, in consonance with constitutional provisions of aid to civil authority where and when such occasion demands.
“The over-arching imperative to ensure a reign of peace, security and stability in this circumstance was most starring.”
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/biafra-acted-self-defence-army/
