Confessions Of IPOB Members After Clash With Security Agents In Enugu

Three members of the five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra who were paraded yesterday in Enugu by the state commissioner of police, CP Ahmad Abdulrahman, confessed being members of the proscribed organisation, but denied attacking the security operatives.

THE WHISTLER reported Sunday that four persons, including two operatives of the Department of State Security, were reportedly killed in the clash which took place at Emene, Enugu, when the security operatives intercepted over 500 IPOB members said to be receiving training in martial arts.

In an interview with newsmen, one of the suspects, Obinna Emele, who claimed he was not aware of the training, although a member, said, “I was going to buy feed for my pigs when I met the commotion. Then I ran back. I met a woman living opposite my house. The children told me to call their father and inform him not to return today (Sunday) because he travelled to Ebonyi State. While there, the two persons who were undergoing the training ran to the spot. They were being pursued by the police. While there, I got arrested. I am a member of IPOB quite right, but unaware of the training they were doing. I am not part of it.”

Another suspect, Ebube Agu, from Ohandiagu community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, said, “I don’t have any ‘odi eshi’. I don’t have any charms. Our training is on martial arts. We were being taught self-defence. We don’t carry any weapon. We were being trained by the IPOB CSO of Enugu State, one Mr Emenike. We have been undergoing this training for more than one month. We don’t have any sponsor. I’m not sure about the arrest of any DSS official because I was at the back of others. Since we started doing it, no security had attacked us. So while training today (Sunday), I started to hear gunshots; we began to run. I was surprised. We scampered for safety. I ran to a building, and begged them to assist me. I am aware that IPOB is banned, but I know the matter is still in court.”

Another member, from Opi in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, said, “We have been training every morning. Shortly we saw some policemen, and they started shooting. I ran into a building, and hid myself under the step. In our trainings, we run around the field about twenty times, and then do some other exercises. We don’t handle weapons. We were doing kunfu. We were doing it to defend ourselves.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of IPOB, Emma Powerful, says 21 members of the group were killed in the clash.

According to a statement he issued, “The Nigerian government and her security agencies have once again exhibited another crude round of killing and massacre against the peaceful and unarmed IPOB family members in Enugu State. We are surprised how Nigerian security agencies in their respective formations, like army, police and DSS will be slaughtering our people without any provocation.

“This rampant killing of innocent members of IPOB will be reciprocated in due cause. IPOB members have been slaughtered and arrested in their numbers across different locations in Enugu State. We MUST warn and put the whole world on notice that Nigerian Government and her security operatives should stop killing our people because we are peaceful organisation with the mandate of restoring Biafra sovereignty within shortest period.”While alleging that their 21 members were killed and 47 arrested for no cause or provocation, Mr Powerful said, “The security in the whole world must understand that keeping quiet and following the rule of law should not be construed as weakness on the part of IPOB. IPOB is a well-rooted movement committed fully [to] the pursuit for Biafra freedom and independence from Nigeria. We are not a violent group, and there is nothing they can do to change our resolve to maintain peace and order in our land. The efforts of the Nigeria government and her partners in crime in trying to push IPOB to change their tactics will amount to vanity. We are warning and asking Nigeria government and her security operatives to stop this atrocity immediately.

“Why have they refused to confront Fulani terrorists, herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists, Ansaru group, Fulani bandits, ISIS and other groups ravaging the country, and [be] busy killing innocent and unarmed citizens of IPOB? Those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu must pay for their actions against IPOB at the appropriate time. It is laughable for DSS to be claiming that they lost five personnel in the hands of unarmed and peaceful people. It is clear to all that IPOB doesn’t indulge or carry arm or involve with any object. IPOB is a peaceful movement, and we must remain so till Biafra is totally achieved.”

THE WHISTLER could not independently verify IPOB’s claims on the number of its members killed.