3 Feared Dead, 20 Wounded As Pro-Biafra Group, Security Agents Clash In Anambra

THREE persons were feared dead and about twenty others wounded on
Sunday when members of a new pro- Biafra group, the Independent People
of Biafra (IPOB) and security operatives engaged in a shootout in
Onitsha.

It was not clear what caused the trouble, but one of the injured
persons, Mr. Chinwendu Ikechukwu said the group was carrying out an
evangelism programme on the need for people to embrace Biafra Republic
in parts of Nkpor , Idemili North local government area after their
routine meeting, adding that it was while they were on the street that
security operatives opened fire on them.

He said: "On reaching Okpoko junction, we were accosted by a
detachment of policemen who fired tear gas on our members numbering
about 5000, but they later allowed us to go since we were non violent.

"However, on reaching Uga junction close to the Niger Bridge Head, the
Naval men on duty there opened fire on us. In our defenseless state,
three of our members were shot dead, while about twenty others
sustained injuries. Even the police who initially allowed us to go
later joined in shooting our members."

According to him, the injured persons were initially rushed to the
nearby Paragon Hospital, Fegge before they were distributed to other
hospitals.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP
Okechukwu Ali however denied the involvement of police in the
shooting, adding that the police were in a 'Show of Force' operation
in Onitsha as at the time of the incident.

"We never shot at the group, even though the law of the land has
outlawed all pro -Biafran groups," he said.

Also, a naval officer who refused to give his name said the group was
lying, insisting that nobody died.

According to him, "if they claim that three of their members died,
they should provide their bodies.

-Vanguard