Do not use force of intimidation, Police warns Biafra protesters

The Enugu, Anambra State Police Commands have warned pro-Biafra agitators against unlawful activities following the May 30 sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The state commands gave this warning in separate statements issued on Monday.

Speaking with newsmen ahead of the planned exercise, Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Okaula, said the police were battle ready for anyone who was out to take the law into his hands.

He said:

“We have always been prepared for this type of situation but one thing remains clear, we want to assure the people of the state to go about their lawful duties and businesses.

“There is no cause for alarm and I can assure you that all the black spots have been taken care of. We have enough manpower on ground and we have deployed them effectively to take care of all flash points.”

“I don’t expect anybody to prevent people from going about their lawful businesses. I will not allow anybody take laws into his hands. Anyone who does will definitely see the full wrath of the law.” 

The commissioner said the command was determined to maintain the security position of the state as the safest in the country.

He added that “those, who have decided to make life unbearable for others should be prepared to face the consequences.

The Enugu State Police Command has also advised members of the public to disregard the IPOB  order and go about their normal lawful business.

The command also urged law-abiding members of the public to watch out for any person or group of persons under any guise and who will come to intimidate, threaten or force them to shut down their offices or shops.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, the command in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant bodies had put in place adequate machinery to fish out those in this habit and bring them to book.

He further advised those intending to carry out this unpatriotic and unlawful act to change from this “as the command working in partnership with other sister agencies in the state will not sit and fold its arms to see innocent and law-abiding citizens of the state being molested or threatened by any person or group of persons.”

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremmadu, had earlier advised that the sit-at-home order declared by the IPOB, MASSOB and other right groups in South-East be made optional.

He noted that while the agitation and concerns of the groups are genuine but that they should not be pursued with force or other forms of armed struggle.

The deputy senate president also called on the agitators to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement in pursuing their agitation; not coercion or other forms of armed struggle.