The separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleges in a statement today that security officers from the Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) killed 21 of their members and took 47 others into custody.
The claims were not independently verified by eyewitnesses who spoke to Enugu Metro, although they gave us footage showing two teenagers gunned down during the confrontation.
IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said IPOB members were picked up from different locations in Enugu today and are being held.
“Nigerian government and her security forces should stop killing our people because we are a peaceful organisation,” he said.
Powerful said without provocation, agents gatecrashed into an IPOB meeting and “began shooting sporadically which consumed lives of 21 members.”
He said the action will not deter the members from being peaceful and non-violent.as they press for independence for Biafra.
“We are not a violent group and there is nothing they can do to change our resolve to maintain peace in our land.”
“The efforts of the Nigerian Government … in trying to push IPOB to change their tactics will amount to vanity.”
Police and the DSS have so far remained silent on what happened today at Emene, although it was speculated that a couple of security officers died as well.
Powerful however describes the claims as “laughable.”
“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 statement concluded.
Governor Ugwuanyi visits scene of clash
State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, visited Emene scene of the clash today with a retinue of security to assess the damage done.
His media aides downplayed the incident and reported that the place is peaceful and calm.
The Governor “was assured by residents of the area and the security agencies that normalcy has returned, and that the place is calm.”
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