Biafra: South-east Leaders Condemn ‘Unknown Gunmen,’ Disown Secessionist Groups

South-East Governors and Igbo leaders on Saturday condemned the violence perpetrated by unknown gunmen in the South East and declared they are against agitations for Biafra.

Unknown gunmen have unleashed violence in different parts of the South East, burning police stations and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The same group has been involved in killing of security personnel.

The South East leaders spoke in a statement issued by the Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, after a meeting in Enugu State on Saturday 19 June 2021.

The governor disclosed that the leaders reaffirmed believe in “one united Nigeria” under a platform of justice, equality of rights, fairness, love, and respect for one another.

The statement also directed the governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo to liaise with Nigerians from the northern part of the country and other regions to assure them that they are safe in the South East.

The statement read; “We condemn the killing of security agencies, burning of strategic infrastructure and killing of civilians in South East and other regions. We request our security agencies to please discharge their duties within the rules of engagement and the law.

“We request our National Assembly from the South East to support State Police creation in the ongoing constitutional amendment.

“We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in South East and elsewhere, we firmly proclaim that we do not support them, they do not speak for South East.

“The impression that South-East leaders are silent over some of our youths agitators for secession is not correct. South-East Governors, Ohaneze President, National Assembly members, notable leaders had come out publicly many times in the past to speak against such agitations. In order not to mismanage the unfortunate situation, South-East Leaders have set up a committee to engage such youths to stop and allow elders speak to address such fears.

“The meeting endorsed our South East joint security outfit – Ebubeagu and asked them to work with security agencies and to respect the rights and privileges of all those living in South East and our visitors.”