1 feared dead as IPOB clash with police, army over Kanu”s visit

One person is feared dead after security operatives and members of Indigenous People of Biafra clashed in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. A planned visit of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to area in furtherance of his anti-election campaign in the state, was said to have instigated the clash. Daily trust […]

One person is feared dead after security operatives and members of Indigenous People of Biafra clashed in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A planned visit of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to area in furtherance of his anti-election campaign in the state, was said to have instigated the clash.

Daily trust gathered that security operatives made up of soldiers, police and other paramilitary agencies had stormed the area, as early as 8am in no fewer than 14 loaded trucks.

The source said that the IPOB members who were paraded the area, singing and chanting Biafran songs, were not moved by the heavy presence of security in the area.

According to the source, trouble ensued when the Biafran flags, caps, shirts and other items being sold by some youths were seized and burnt by the security operatives.

Reacting, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiruka Nwode, confirmed presence of security operatives in the area, but however denied any death in the crisis.

She said the security personnel were deployed to forestall breach of peace.

The IPOB leader, Kanu was yet to visit the place as scheduled as of the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has confirmed the death of one of its member in the fracas, describing it as brutal murder.

The group, in a statement issued by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said the police officers acted on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.

"We are holding the DPO of Ekwulobia Police Station directly responsible for the murder of IPOB family member murdered by men under his command.

"Also responsible are those faceless individuals hiding behind nonexistent lawyers association in Anambra State that gave Hausa Fulani’s the moral impetus to embark on this latest round of murder," the statement added.