Enugu tensed over MASSOB, IPOB sit-at- home Protest

Pro-Biafra Protest in Enugu

The sit-at-home planned protest by pro-Biafra agitators saw tension in Enugu, and other major cities in the South-East, on Monday, as part of activities to mark  Biafra Day on May 30.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ordered the closure of markets, and restriction of movement in honour of the memory of slain Biafra war heroes, activists.

The Commissioners of Police across the South-Eastern states,on the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, were advised to place their men on red alert and deal “decisively” with the Biafra agitators.

Anti-riot policemen were seen at strategic locations in Enugu on Monday evening. while combat ready police teams were cited around major markets 

in the metropolis, as well as the federal and state civil service secretariats.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command, Monday evening, said it would deal decisively with anybody or group that attempts to stop people from going about their normal activities.

Mr. Ebere Amaraizu,the spokesman, Enugu State Police Command, who gave the warning in a statement, said the police is working with other security agencies to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

“Ahead of the planned sit-at-home order being circulated by IPOB, MASSOB, amongst others, the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has advised members of the public to disregard such order and go about their normal lawful business.

“The Command is also advising law-abiding members of the public to watch out for any person or group of persons under any guise who will come to intimidate, threaten or force them to shut down their offices or shops and report such threat to any nearby police station.

“The Command in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant bodies have put in place adequate machinery as security apparatus have been mobilized to fish out those in this habit and bring them to book.

“The Command has 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 and see innocent and law-abiding citizens of the state being molested or threatened by any person or group of persons,” Amaraizu said in the statement.

The police spokesman made known phone numbers, and social media platforms, through which members of the public could reach the Command to report any breach of law and order on May 30.