Biafra killings: We acted in self defence, Nigerian military says

The Nigeria Army has given reasons for the killing of some protesters commemorating Biafra day in some parts of the country. Those killed are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). The Army claims they acted in self-defence when their intervention to restore law and order was resisted  The deputy director of Army public relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Colonel Hamza Gambo has shed more light on the recent confrontation between the Army and Biafra agitators which resulted in the loss of lives.

A typical Biafra protest

Giving an account on what transpired yesterday, May 31, Gambo alleged that the protests were organised by the agitators to rubbish the Democracy Day celebrations held nationwide on Sunday, May 30.

According to him, the incident that led to the drafting of soldiers to quell the protests left five members of the agitators dead, while several others were injured on both sides. His words: “Instructively, troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army as the lead agency of the security agencies had to invoke the extant Rules of Engagement (ROE) to resort to self-defence, protection of the strategic Niger Bridge, prevent re-enforcement of the pro Biafran members apparently surging ahead from the far side of the strategic Niger Bridge at Onitsha.  “In the aftermath of the fire fight that ensued, many of our troops sustained varying degree of injuries. The injured troops are currently receiving treatment at our medical centre. 

Similarly, five members of MASSOB/IPOB were killed, eight wounded while nine were arrested for due legal actions.”  According to Thisday, Gambo also stated that the protests had created panic among the populace in the cities affected. “The overarching imperative to ensure a reign of peace, security and stability in this circumstance was most starring,’’ he said. The military spokesman however, assured Nigerians of the military’s professional commitment to the protection of lives and property  in tandem with the recent directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, May 31 received a group named South East Group for Change led by former Senate president, Ken Nnamani where it is believed that issues relating to the clash were discussed. Meanwhile, the BBC has reported that about 15 northern Nigerian businessmen lost their lives in the Biafra crisis in the commercial city of Onitsha. Meanwhile, MASSOB has secured the release of 88 of its members who were arrested by the Ebonyi state police command in Abakaliki during this year’s Biafra day celebration.