Over one thousand members of Movement for the Actualization Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) were held hostage in Nsukka, Enugu State by a combined team of security agencies on Tuesday.
The group which is set to hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, to mark its 17 years anniversary, had its members intercepted at Ede-Oballa, about two kilometers to Nsukka town by combined team of soldiers and police.
The MASSOB members, who were carrying Biafra flag and were clad in Biafra uniforms, were marching towards Nsukka town to celebrate seventeen years of the movement before they were intercepted by a combined team of security agencies.
Reacting to the incident, the Zonal Leader of Enugu North senatorial zone of MASSOB, Mr. James Omeke told newsmen that the movement was celebrating its seventeen years since it came into existence through Chief Ralph Uwazurike before they were stopped by a combined team of army and police at Ede-Oballa.
According to him, “They collected our caps, flags and ordered us to go home after keeping us for three hours.
“When they stopped us, our members numbering about 1000 were searched and no arms or any dangerous weapon was found from anybody.
“We stayed there for about three hours before they told us to go home; the march was non-violent and peaceful”, he said.
“What we are celebrating today is seventeen years anniversary of MASSOB since 1999.
“We see today’s celebration as a success since we have used it to create more awareness about the movement.
‘We appeal to the federal government of Nigeria to stop harassing us since the movement is peaceful and nonviolent.
“We also call UN to exp
edite action towards conducting a referendum.
“In spite of the harassment, the struggle for Biafra continues as members will not relent until Biafra is realized”, he added.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations officer, Enugu State, SP Ebere Amaraizu said the MASSOB members were stopped from entering Nsukka town to avoid any breach of peace.
Amaraizu said: “Yes, I am aware some members of MASSOB marching to Nsukka town to celebrate 17 years anniversary were stopped at Ede-Oballa by security agents, the aim is to avoid any breach of peace.
“They were stopped from entering Nsukka town and sent back home because they were peaceful, non-violent and no dangerous weapon was found on them during the march”, he said.
AN24.net
