By Okpara Michael.
Many people are feared dead after a confrontation between the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and security agencies.
The incident occurred on May 30, 2017, in the Nkpor Area of Anambra State when the IPOB members were holding a peaceful protest, demanding for a referendum.
However, trouble started when a team of security operatives stormed the area and attempted to disrupt the protest.
A source told our correspondent that what was a peaceful protest turned violent as the IPOB leaders resisted the move to disperse them.
“It led to heavy shooting, and before you knew it, some of the IPOB members were shot dead, while others fled in different directions,” the source said.
Meanwhile, as an aftermath of the clash, the police have declared 10 key members of the group in Anambra State wanted.
They include John Okafor, 28 years, Okeke Emmanuel, 25 years, James Chinaka, 22 years, Chinonso Chino Ogbonna, 27 years, Emeka Okafor, 23 years, Chinemerem George Chinaka, 21 years, Maxwell Ibekwe, 26 years, Okwuchukwu Ogbu, 24 years, Ekene Mbakwe, 20 years, and Chuks Oguguo, 30.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, “the wanted suspects are part of those who resisted arrest during a raid of IPOB members’ meeting point in Nkpor Anambra State.
“They were engaging in illegal protest when a combined team of security agencies moved in to stop them, but they put up resistance.
“Anybody with useful information on the whereabouts of the named persons should report to the nearest police or military formation, a handsome reward awaits such a person.”
He said under the guise of demanding Biafra, the agitators were constituting nuisance to the Nigerian society.
Meanwhile, Mr Andrew Ogbonnaya Amah, father of one those declared wanted, Chinonso Chino Ogbonna, from Enugu State, but resident in Anambra State, has described his predicament as double jeopardy.
According to Mr Ogbonna, another of his sons who was also part of the protest was shot dead.
“They killed my son, Innocent Ogbonna; he was shot dead during the protest by the security agencies, for doing nothing other than seeking freedom.
“Now, his sibling, Chinonso has been declared wanted by the same police. Where do I go from here?” He lamented, seeking intervention of rights gr
