Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) has described the attacks on, and death of its members, as a ‘strategy to incite the people of South East, South South to war’

The group also said it has ‘concluded plans’ to drag the federal government before the International Court of Justice, ICJ, at the Hague, Netherland over alleged incessant killings of pro Biafra protesters.

This position was made known on Monday, by MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor, who said: “MASSOB is worried at the rate at which defenceless pro Biafra agitators are being killed. It is unheard of to have soldiers shoot people who were gathered for prayers. We believe it is a strategy to incite the people of the South East and South-South to war.”

“These are antics we know too well. We refuse to be deceived. The people of the former Eastern region have been thoroughly provoked. MASSOB will not keep quiet at these senseless killings and have decided to let the international community know about the atrocities being committed by Nigerian security agents.”

“MASSOB have concluded plans to take our case to the International Court of Justice, Hague. We have compiled our evidences on the killings and the dramatis personae. Our group will not keep quiet on these acts of killings of innocent citizens.”

MASSOB also described the government’s attempt at dialoguing with its members, as insincere, hypocritical and deceptive.

In a statement released to newsmen in Enugu, MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu said. “Federal Government through her several agents had clamoured for a peaceful dialogue to effect the release of Nnamdi Kanu whose arrest and detention has exposed and battered the deteriorated image of Nigeria before the International community since October 2015.”

“Though many groups and persons which claim to represent the Biafra agitators in the dialogue have failed because of their selfish and group interest, why have they not met the real leadership of Biafra agitators held on December 22, 2015 in Enugu in the house of a prominent and respected Igbo leader with representatives of Federal Government with the Directorate of Military Intelligence Abuja and other Igbo Leaders who are genuinely rooted in Igbo course.?

“The FG representatives assured us that based on their findings, observations, interactions, feelings and grievances of Ndigbo during the weeklong tour which climaxed with meeting of the leadership of Biafra agitators; they assured that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would be released to an Igbo leader of our choice after their report and intimate meeting with the presidency.”

“MASSOB has hailed Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State for his staunch support and defense of Nnamdi Kanu and non violent Biafran agitators. Governor Fayose’s sympathy on Biafra and outburst against Buhari-led administration which exhibited religious, ethnic and personal hatred has proven him as a true nationalist who has the interest of the people at heart.”

“Some Igbo Governors and senators are stooges and cowards. We doubt if Igbo blood of braveness and eloquence run in their veins. The northern and western Governors/senators openly and secretly collaborate and work with Boko-Haram and Odua People’s Congress, OPC, respectively for the interest of their ethnic blocks but their Igbo counterparts are always shying away as cowards.”

Mazi Emeka