Police IG Orders Arrested Pro-Biafra Protesters Charged With Murder

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has directed that members of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, arrested in connection with the killing of policemen during a clash on Monday, be tried for murder.

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At least five protesters were shot dead by soldiers near the Niger Bridge as the group held protests to mark the 49th anniversary of the declaration of the defunct Biafra Republic.

Pro-Biafra activists attacked and killed two policemen and injured two others during the fracas.

The army said it arrested nine protesters and handed them over to the police.

More protesters were arrested in Ebonyi when they gathered to observe what the group as the Biafra Day.

The police chief, Mr. Arase, said in a statement, Tuesday, that the IPOB members be disarmed, wherever they are found bearing arms.

He lamented the killing of the group’s members but said the police and other security organisations will not allow any group disturb the peace of the nation.

“Following the manifestation of the disposition of the armed IPOB activists to undertake premeditated attacks on Police officers engaged in operations aimed at restoring public order in States in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zone of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in the affected area to disarm members of the group operating firearms immediately,” said the statement signed by the force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole.

“IGP Arase, while condemning the killing by members of IPOB, also directed the arrest of any member of the group found in possession of firearm and bring him/her to deserved justice, while all IPOB activists arrested in connection with the killing of the policemen should be charged to court for murder,” the statement said.

Mr. Arase assured Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security, adding that efforts would be focused on eliminating all forms of internal threats by unlawful groups.

Source: PremiumTimes