Biafra: Obiano criticised for hastily concluding protesters were armed

The Anambra State governor Chief Willie Obiano has been criticised for rushing to judgement and saying that the pro-Biafra protesters were armed even before investigations were commenced.

The condemnation came as citizens of the state were still morning the massacre of innocent and unarmed citizens in three locations in Anambra State on Monda at Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi. 

Eyewitnesses confirm those responsible for the latest massacre just like those of 2nd and 17th of December 2015 are members of the Anambra State Joint Security Taskforce.

READ ALSO  IGP Orders Disarmament of IPOB, Says the Group has Crossed the Line

But  the Government of Anambra State stated some hoodlums to hijacked the demonstration to mark the Democracy Day earlier this morning.

See the full press statement below signed by Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, the Hon Commissioner for Information and Strategy:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DEMOCRACY DAY DISTURBANCES IN NKPOR

The attention of the Government of Anambra State has been drawn to attempts by some hoodlums to hijack a peaceful demonstration by some youths in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area, to mark the Democracy Day earlier this morning.

These elements infiltrated the demonstration and unleashed a wave of violent attacks on the police, burning down a patrol van and sowed panic among the populace. This untoward tendency runs against the culture of security and peaceful co-existence of all citizens that we have established in our beloved state in the past two years.

The Government of Anambra State shall not allow some unscrupulous elements to undermine our collective achievement as the most peaceful state in Nigeria and slow down our steady march to progress and prosperity. We therefore warn people who are planning to foment trouble or hide under the guise of peaceful demonstration to disturb the peace to desist from such acts with immediate effect as that will not be tolerated.

Consequently, the law enforcement agents have been directed to maintain the peace in a manner that is expected of a professional police force in a democracy without the application of excessive force that might lead to avoidable casualties.

Ndi Anambra are advised to go about their lawful businesses peacefully as the law enforcement agents have assured of safety and protection for all.

The Government of Anambra State deeply regrets the loss of lives and property that resulted from the exchange of gunfire between the hoodlums and the police earlier today and sincerely condoles with the families of victims.

END

www.elombah.com

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook