Biafra: Soldiers Allegedly Block Entrance To Nnamdi Kanu’s Residence Ahead Parents’ Burial

IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Photo Vanguard News

The entrance leading to the family residence of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been reportedly blocked by soldiers ahead of his parents’ burial.

According to Amnesty International (AI),  residents said the soldiers are also harassing residents in the area ahead of the funeral scheduled for Friday.

In a statement on Wednesday, AI said it gathered from some persons that “they saw soldiers harassing people at Bank road while another man said he was prevented from going to his house by soldiers who blocked the road entrance to Eze Kanu’s palace.”

Amnesty director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, called for caution and asked the security agencies to “deescalate the rising tension” in the Abia community.

“The Nigerian security forces must exercise restraint and prevent a repetition of the September 2017 events that left at least 20 people killed and some still missing, when the military attempted to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in his home in Afara Ukwu”, Ojigho said.

“While law enforcement officers are within their rights to carry out their lawful duties, the use of force should be proportional and strictly limited to those situations where it is absolutely necessary. Both IPOB supporters and security forces must at all times respect and protect human rights of all.

“Concerns about possible violence during the funeral must be addressed within the framework of human rights and rule of law.”

Following the announcement of the burial, there has been a hot exchange between the police and IPOB, which was banned and declared a terrorist organisation last year.

Abia commissioner of police, Ene Okon, has vowed that the funeral would not take place if IPOB members attempt to attend it.

But the group has also vowed that nothing will stop its members from attending the burial.

Kanu, who has been on the run since 2017, is not planning to attend the burial, but said it would be broadcast live.

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