The Nigeria Police Force seems to be spurring for a final showdown with youths calling for the recognition of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as it has issued a warning that a “planned one-million march is illegal”.
In a strongly-worded statement on Friday, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, said that the protesters, from the south-eastern region, would be provoking the law if they do not stop such protests or call.
Attempt To Test The Law
He particularly made reference to the planned ‘one-million march’ for the actualisation of Biafra, which he said was illegal and asked everyone not to participate.
“Information available to the Nigeria police indicates plans by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to embark on ill-advised protests, using dangerous weapons across some south eastern states.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is unlawful and no one should attempt to test the law,” the police warned in the statement.
He reminded the youths that the law prohibiting the unlawful possession of firearms was still in force.
He also warned against any attempt to unleash mayhem on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
He said that anyone arrested in connection with the planned march would be appropriately dealt with.
Before the warning of the Inspector General of Police, hundreds of youths took to the street in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, blocking the major express way leading to the east.
At Summit Junction in Asaba, the group chanted war songs, calling for the restoration of Biafra and demanding the release of a certain Nnamdi Kalu who they claimed was in detention at the Department of State Security office.
The group began the protest at about 4:00pm local time on Friday.
They stopped motorists travelling to either the eastern part of Nigeria or to Benin City in Edo State.
According to Channels Television’s reporter in Delta State, Vivian Oramadike, the protesters refused to leave Summit Junction even when it was beginning to get dark.
Their presence has caused traffic jam, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles on the express.
