The federal government says Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), orchestrated the killing of 60 people and the destruction of property in 55 violent attacks across the south-east and south-south zones within four months.
According to NAN, the federal ministry of foreign affairs said this in a letter to Western diplomats dated April 26, 2021.
The ministry, in its letter, objected to a statement by an agency of a Western nation whose government had said the creation of Eastern Security Network (ESN), based on its own understanding, was to combat insecurity.
It said it considered the statement by the Western nation as “justifying the establishment of a militia by a non-state actor and glossing over the destructive and violent acts of IPOB and the ESN”.
“In under four months this year, IPOB has carried out over fifty-five (55) violent acts in various parts of Southeast Nigeria killing scores of people and destroying many properties,” the letter said.
“Indeed it would seem that the position of the (western nation) seems to have further emboldened Nnamdi Kanu the self-confessed leader of IPOB.
“As recently as 22nd April, 2021, broadcasting online from his base in London, Mr Kanu has issued series of instructions to his militia and other members of the outlawed organisation, on acts of violence to be carried out within the territory of Nigeria.”
The letter mentioned some of the alleged instructions by Kanu which are to hunt down the Fulani, attack governor Obiano of Anambra state, and kill any landlord that gives accommodation to government security personnel.
“For example, a day after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has confirmed to newsmen that Nnamdi Kanu has ordered members of the group to kill him and other South-East Governors, which orders were repeated on Radio Biafra, the private residence of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, in his hometown in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, was attacked and set ablaze and two of the security men attached to the house were killed,” the federal government said.
The letter then listed the IPOB attacks in the south-east and south-south zones as: “Abia: Between January 26 and April 19, 2021, six policemen were killed while property worth huge sums were destroyed by IPOB members in coordinated attacks at Uratta junction, Aba North LGA; Omoba Police Station, Isiale-Ngwa South LGA; Abriba Community in Ohafia LGA, and Uzuakoli Police Station in Bende LGA.
“Akwa Ibom: 25 persons, including security personnel were killed in deliberate attacks on different locations across the state, between January 27 and April 19, 2021.
“Cross River: Seven police officers were killed at Calabar-Ikom highway in Obubra and Yakur LGAs, on March 2, 2021, while a soldier was killed two days later on March 4 at a military checkpoint at Obubra Junction in Obubra LGA.
“Delta: Between January 10 And April 14, IPOB members attacked and killed 11 persons including security personnel in Ughelli, Ndokwa East, Ezza South, Onicha, Ezza North, Ohaozara, Ohoukwu, LGAs.
“Enugu: Three policemen were killed in attacks on different locations across the state between February 28 and April 18.
“Imo: Between January 3 and April 24, 2021, IPOB members killed seven persons and injured many others in different attacks in Orlu, Obouo, Aboli Mbaise, Chitte Uboma, Isiala Mbano, Owerri, Njaba, Mbatoli, Oru East LGAs.
“Rivers: On April 17, 2021, IPOB operatives killed an NSCDC operative on guard duty at Shell crude oil manifold in Elelewon village in Obio/Akpor LGA and injured many others.”
Kanu, who jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country, was arrested and re-arraigned before Binta Nyako of the federal high court in Abuja on Tuesday.
Source: The CableNG
