IPOB
A showdown between men of the Nigerian army and the Indigenous People of Biafra members seems imminent.
Nigerian Soldiers have reportedly blocked the entrance of the
family residence of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of
Biafra (IPOB), ahead of his parents’ burial.
Information released by Amnesty International (AI) revealed that
residents said the soldiers are also harassing residents in the area
ahead of the funeral scheduled for Friday.
In a statement on Wednesday, AI said it gathered from some persons that “they
saw soldiers harassing people at Bank road while another man said he
was prevented from going to his house by soldiers who blocked the road
entrance to Eze Kanu’s palace.”
Osai Ojigho, Amnesty director in Nigeria, called for caution, and asked the security agencies to “deescalate the rising tension” in the Abia community.
“The Nigerian security forces must exercise restraint and
prevent a repetition of the September 2017 events that left at least 20
people killed and some still missing, when the military attempted to
arrest Nnamdi Kanu in his home in Afara Ukwu”, Ojigho said.
“While law enforcement officers are within their rights to
carry out their lawful duties, the use of force should be proportional
and strictly limited to those situations where it is absolutely
necessary. Both IPOB supporters and security forces must at all times
respect and protect human rights of all.
“Concerns about possible violence during the funeral must be addressed within the framework of human rights and rule of law.”
Since the burial was announced, there has been a hot exchange
between the police and IPOB, which was banned and declared a terrorist
organisation last year.
While the group has insisted on attending the event, Ene Okon, Abia
commissioner of police, has vowed that the funeral would not take place
if IPOB members attempt to attend it.
Kanu, who has been on the run since 2017, is, not contemplating attending, but said the burial will be broadcast live.
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