In anticipation of the burial ceremony of the Paramount Ruler Of Afaraukwu Community, HRM Eze Isaac Kanu and His Wife, who are set to be laid to rest on Friday, February 14 2020, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide has warned the police to avoid tasting the wrath of Biafra agitators and to avoid instigating bloodshed and violence under the guise of maintaining peace.
This was contained in a press statement released to the Herald by the president general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the secretary-general, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide.
The statement reads:
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide admonished Security agents not to taste the wrath Of Biafra agitators or Ndigbo, as The Paramount Ruler Of Afaraukwu Community,HRM Eze Isaac Kanu and His Wife will be laid to rest on Friday February 14 2020.
“We Commend the tactical withdrawal of Security agents at least 1km around the vicinity of Afaraukwu Community but OYC will not tolerate any form intimidation, harassment, and any provocative show of force, arrest and killing of any Igbo man, under the guise of maintaining peace where there’s no Crisis.
“We wish to remind Security Agents that Igbo Customs and Traditional demands that Certain positive rituals are carried out especially during burial rites of any Igbo Paramount Ruler, which doesn’t require the presence of strangers and non-Igbos.
“At such Police, Army and other Paramilitary forces should vacate Umuahia Metropolis and be at the rear, to avert avoidable clashes with the youths doing traditional rituals and ceremonies in honour of the late king, whose kingdom is part of the Ancient Kingdom of Ibeku Egwu Assa, the covers the heart of Umuahia Metropolis.
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“OYC reminds Police on the need to stop further use of provocative and inciting media releases and interviews to incur the wrath of the people during the burial rites of the Paramount Ruler of Afaraukwu Community HRM Eze Isaac Kanu and His Wife, as there will be influx of foreign dignitaries from all over the World.
They are going to use the opportunity to assess if the allegations against the Nigerian Police, Army of harassment are true and we urge CP Okon Abia State Police to withdraw his threat of unleashing mayhem against his citizens, and tactically tender unreserved apology to IPOB, as it’s unprofessional and against the ethics of the profession.
Biafra agitators are not violent in nature and urge CP Okon not to create an opportunity to make a peaceful state of Abia be on flames, as OYC will engage with all state holders to avert avoidable arrest or killing of Any Igbo Youth during the Burial Rites.
Finally, OYC urge Biafra agitators, especially Ipob members, to join other sympathisers of the family of the late Paramount Ruler Of Afaraukwu Community HRM Eze Isaac Kanu, to be of good Conduct and avoid using anything that would jeopardize the process of according the King and Queen the befitting Burial Rites according to Customs demands.
We should not allow the repeat Of “Oraifite” sad Episode and they should not engage security agents in any way. We will ensure that we avert avoidable bloodshed during the burial.
OYC pleads with Ipob members not to display any Biafra flags or uniforms, as there’s no reason to lose any Life while trying to Bury the King and Queen of Afaraukwu Community, Abia is safe and secured, there should be no bloodshed or Massacre, it will be resisted.