Biafra Day anniversary: Soldiers kill 30 celebrating Ndi Igbo

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(Nigeria) It was yet another day of killing by Nigerian soldiers, who opened fire on celebrating members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and others innocent people of the South East, killing no fewer than 30 of them in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The IPOB members and others who were celebrating Biafra Day anniversary were shot at and killed by soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade in different parts of the city.
The much publicised Biafra Day anniversary organised by IPOB, saw major streets in Onitsha and the Niger Bridge head, blocked, which made most people to remain indoors. All markets in Onitsha were also closed.
Most of the killings by soldiers were done at Nkpor, a suburb of Onitsha, where IPOB had chosen to celebrate the Biafra Day.
Many more were injured, while police arrested no fewer than 10 persons.
It was learned that the celebration turned bloody in the commercial city of Onitsha, according to an eye witnesses, who narrated that no fewer than 30 people, including a soldier, were already killed, while over 10 people were arrested.
It was gathered that as early as 6a.m., members of IPOB and others, took to the streets, some of them naked, and were confronted by soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade, an action that allegedly led to scores of people losing their lives.
MASSOB leader, Mr. Uchenna Madu said his organisation was not involved in the protest, explaining that he had earlier issued a statement that this year’s Biafra Day should be celebrated quietly and that all MASSOB members should stay at home.
Madu said though MASSOB was not involved in the protest, it was not enough reason to open fire on innocent people.
He said: “Security operatives of the Federal Government are arresting and killing people who are non-violent. Is it because we are not armed? It appears the only language the Nigerian security understands is violence. This issue is not about MASSOB or IPOD. It is about Ndigbo generally. In the ongoing killings, innocent people were also targets.
“The government is negotiating with Niger Delta militants and faceless Boko Haram, but is threatening  to wipe out pro-Biafra agitators because they are Igbo.”
Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Mr. Alli Okechukwu said that the Police was very busy clearing all the blocked roads in Onitsha, adding “We are not counting the number of casualties at the moment, but to ensure that normalcy returns in Onitsha.”

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