Police Arrest Pro-Biafra Activists in Anambra, Sparking Controversy

Anambra State police have reportedly apprehended several members of the pro-Biafra group, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). The arrests, which occurred on Tuesday at the group’s regional office along the Awkuzu-Otuocha road in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia council area, have raised concerns and drawn attention to the ongoing tensions surrounding the Biafra secessionist movement.

According to a press release issued by the group and made available to journalists, the police detained several individuals, including 66-year-old Beka Udemefuna and 53-year-old Mr. Amauche Ode. The press release also alleged that portraits of prominent Biafra leaders, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and Chief Ralph Uwazurike, were confiscated during the arrests. Additionally, the statement claimed that more than 16 plastic seats belonging to BIM-MASSOB were taken away, among other items.

The press release, attributed to the Senior Special Assistant to BIM-MASSOB leader, Chief Chris Mocha, further described the incident, stating, “The members of BIM-MASSOB were seated in the office at Ifitedunu when the heavily armed policemen numbering over five arrived at the office in the evening and shot sporadically into the air, which led people living around the area to scamper for their safety.”

The detained members were reportedly handcuffed and transported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) annex at Awkuzu in Anambra State. The incident has sparked concerns among supporters of the pro-Biafra movement, who have called for the immediate release of the arrested individuals. The group insists that its members were peacefully engaged in their activities and did not pose a security risk to the state.

When reached for comment, the state police public relations officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tochukwu Ikenga, neither confirmed nor denied the incident but offered a terse response, saying, “Thank you for the information.”

As tensions persist in the region, this incident is likely to generate significant debate and calls for transparency in the handling of pro-Biafra activists by law enforcement agencies. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are awaited.