ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Indigenous People of Biafra’s, IPOB, newly imposed sit-at-home directive, called for by Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, has led to the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to order the deployment of troops in the South-East states.
Ekpa’s protest, which is set to start on Monday, July 31, 2023, demands the immediate release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ekpa warned of serious repercussions for those who choose to defy the order.
In response, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, declared Ekpa’s announcement unlawful.
He said the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, working in tandem with other security agencies, has been tasked with conducting extensive patrols and ensuring the security of volatile areas.
“The renewed threat by IPOB to compel the people in southeastern Nigeria to sit at home is not only appalling but a violation of the fundamental rights of southeastern Nigerians and, therefore, unlawful. This will never be condoned,” Nwachukwu said.
He went on to assure the people of the South-East region of their freedom to conduct their normal activities.
“The Chief of Army Staff has handed down clear directives to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army operating in synergy with other security agencies to ensure robust patrols to dominate all flashpoints and emplace measures to ensure citizens are free to go about their legitimate businesses.”
Nwachukwu also urged the public to disregard the IPOB’s sit-at-home order and cooperate with security forces in their effort to counteract the group.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police would also resist the sit-at-home order.
Adejobi revealed that the force has already acted against non-state actors enforcing the order, leading to arrests and the seizure of weapons.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and urged them to continue their lawful activities.
Adding to the voices of opposition, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State called for the abolition of the sit-at-home order during a visit to the Nigerian Navy headquarters in Abuja.
Despite previously banning the order in Enugu due to its harmful effects on the local economy, the governor acknowledges that the directive continues to be observed on Mondays.
He expressed concern about the impact on potential investors if the situation persists.
