The Police Command in Enugu State says it will arrest and prosecute any groups involved in violent protests in the area.
The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said it was aware of plans by some groups to embark on a violent protest using dangerous weapons.
“The command wishes to inform members of the public that information available to it revealed that there are alleged plans by some groups of people masquerading under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) amongst others, to embark on violent protests.
“The groups tend to use dangerous weapons during the protest in the state and its environs and for the purpose of disturbing the existing peace in the state, among others,’’ Amaraizu said.
According to him, the police in conjunction with other sister security agencies have been directed to fish out those in this habit and bring them to book.
“In view of the above, the command wishes to remind those fanning the embers of this unlawful act as well as their supporters to be law abiding and desist from such intended protests in the state before, during and after May 30,’’ he said.
He assured members of the public, particularly the good people of the state, of the readiness of the command to provide functional security to its citizenry in partnership with other sister security agencies.
“To this end, members of the public are advised to be law abiding and go about their normal and lawful businesses,’’ the spokesman said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IPOB with MASSOB had in a joint press statement issued in Owerri, Imo, on May 11, set aside May 30 for “2017 Biafra Day’’ celebrations.
IPOB/MASSOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said the day would be used to remember Biafran heroes, “who paid the supreme sacrifice for Biafrans to live between 1967 and 1970’’.
According to Powerful, the celebration will include street demonstrations, rallies, lectures and prayers. (NAN)