The Police in Port Harcourt are refuting claims by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that some of their members were killed during the last protest, showing solidarity for the new U.S President, Donald Trump.
Members had gathered in their hundreds on Friday, in the streets of Port Harcourt, expressing joy over the inauguration of Trump.
According to them, they were on a peaceful rally in support of who they referred to as “our man”, when they were abruptly dispersed by Army officers and other security operatives, on Aba Road in the Rivers State capital.
The Deputy Commissioner Of Police in Charge of Operations, Ahmed Mogaji, who described the rally as an illegal gathering said that the security operatives only resorted to the use of tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd.
According to him, the acclaimed members of IPOB were on an illegal protest to actualise a sinister agenda and the security operatives had to rise to the occasion.
65 Arrested
Some of the affected members had told journalists that the Police and the Army unleashed mayhem on them when they came out on a peaceful rally.
Reports say as many as 11 persons were killed, while many others were wounded during the alleged clash.
Mr Magaji, however, told journalists that contrary to claims by the group, their actions were an affront to the Nigerian state.
“In an effort to disperse the rampaging group from carrying out their unlawful intention, reasonable force like teargas was used to disperse them.
“Others left lawfully in obedience to our directives, the disobedient ones continued with the intention of actualising their illegal purpose.
“Consequently, about 65 of them were arrested at different points within the metropolis, being suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra,” he said.
According to him, items recovered from them include: some flags bearing the inscription of IPOB and other incriminating items.
“The suspects arrested have made useful statements to the Police and investigation is ongoing,” he added.
‘Peaceful Rally’
Meanwhile, one of the lawyers to Nnamdi Kalu, the self-acclaimed leader of the group, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, insisted that the security operatives attacked persons on a peaceful rally.
He told Channels Television that the actions of the security operatives are condemnable, while he called on all well-meaning citizens to rise up against it.
He said: “Actually I was in Abuja monitoring the peaceful rally staged by innocent members of IPOB, until the whole thing changed.
“I had to take the next available flight to Port Harcourt to see the extent of damage done to people who were on a peaceful rally.
“When I arrived, I noticed that a lot of damage had been done. The people were on a peaceful rally in support of President Donald Trump who was inaugurated, before the Police and the Army opened fire on them. And there was nothing to show that they were on a violent protest.
“If you check online yesterday, you will see that all over the world, there were anti-trump protests and nowhere was there any incident of security agencies using live ammunition on them, except in Nigeria where you have IPOB members being murdered and massacred by the forces who are supposed to be defending them.”
Although many cannot see a link between the U.S President and the acclaimed Indigenous People of Biafra, the security operatives say they will not allow any group or persons to threaten the peace and security of the country.
Independent State
Meanwhile, the IPOB supporters have said they will continue to believe in their dream of the nation of Biafra.
The walk took them through some major streets in Port Harcourt.
On January 4, members of the IPOB began widespread mobilisation and sensitisation for a referendum ahead of what they called the emergence of the independent state of Biafra.
Spokesman for the group, Comrade Emma Powerful said: “IPOB family members worldwide are working tirelessly to restore our long lost freedom and political independence from the Luggardian creation called Nigeria without bloodshed.”
