The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given President Muhammadu Buhari yet another 72-hour ultimatum -this time around, for the release of the 76 boys arrested by soldiers at Umuneshi, Awgu in Enugu State.

According to IPOB, the arrested boys were protesting against the abduction of two women by Fulani herdsmen in their community when they were arrested last week.

In a statement jointly signed by IPOB spokespersons, Emma Mmezu and Dr Clifford Iroanya, the secessionist group warned of dire consequences, should the federal government fail to heed to their demands.

“The raw show of power and bravado by Fulani herdsmen at Umuneshi, Awgu Community in Enugu State just cannot be accepted by any civilized society.”

“First, the ever recalcitrant Fulani marauders abducted two women on their way to the farm. All entreaties to release the two women fell on deaf ears. The youths of the community mobilized to free their women, but the Fulani warriors informed their kinsmen at the military bases in the neigbouring Abia State.”

“The soldiers stormed the community, beat up and arrested all 76 youths, bundled them to zone 9, ordered them charged and remanded in prison without as much as allowing them to make statements.”

“As at today (yesterday), the 76 youth remain locked up and the two women remain missing as Fulani supremacy reigns. The brutal show of power and arrogant display of we own Nigeria demonstrated by the Fulani is not only nauseating but despicable.”

“Their godfather and guardian angel at the Aso villa is most probably grinning with glee at this powerful statement of his kinsmen as to who are masters and who are servants in Nigeria today.”

“When you add this to the brazen arrogance of display of Fulani republic flags in Ohafia, Abia State, and the provocative flying of Fulani flags in Agatu Benue State, Eket, Akwa Ibom, and many other places, the IPOB is convinced that the battle of total annihilation has been brought to our door steps by the avowed enemies of peace.”

“Accordingly, the IPOB is hereby giving President Muhamadu Buhari 72 hours beginning from 6pm, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, to release the 76 youths of Umeneshi Community, Awgu, together with the two women earlier abducted by the Fulani fighters.”

Mazi Emeka