HE MADE THIS APPEAL YESTERDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2017 WHILE ACQUAINTING THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC ON THE SITUATION OF THINGS IN THE STATE.
You will recall that between 10th and 14th September, 2017, a group of IPOB members armed with Petrol Bomb and other offensive weapons, without reasonable and justifiable cause, attacked and burnt down Ariaria Police Division, Aba. They burnt down one Police vehicle and two exhibit vehicles parked at the Division and attacked Police Officers at the Division with dangerous weapons. In the process, some of the Police personnel were seriously injured. One of them, an ASP, who was among those seriously injured, was rushed to the Living Word Hospital where he was admitted. The Doctors battled in vain to save his life. He has died as a result of the injuries sustained. The hoodlums also carted away three (3) Pump action Rifles, ammunition and destroyed other Police security materials. However, the Police arrested seven (7) of the IPOB members. They will be charged to Court for conspiracy, murder, arson, riotous assembly and willful damage to property, trespass, among others.
The IPOB members also attacked non indigenes at different locations in Aba and Umuahia but the intervention of Police and the military saved the situation.On 13/09/2017, a group of IPOB members, along Isiala Ngwa riotously confronted the military who were going about their lawful duties but the military were able to arrest thirty one (31) of them. They have been handed over to the police and will also be charged to court.Similarly, IPOB members also attacked Military Officers and attempted to snatch a rifle from a Naval Officer. The officer resisted the provocation and in the process, nineteen (19) IPOB members were arrested. They will equally be charged to Court.On 14/09/2017, the same IPOB members, armed with offensive weapons within the vicinity/quarters where the AIG, CP, Speaker, Attorney General of the State live, one of the entrances to Government House attacked the AIG/CP and blocked the entrance leading to the quarters of the residents of this vicinity, set up bonfires and intimidate law abiding citizens.These group who were quartered in the house of the self acclaimed leader of IPOB which has just been declared illegal and terrorist group and proscribed by the Governors of the South East region, carried out and coordinated their operations and attacks from the house. However, a combined team of Military and Police dislodged them and arrested ten (10) members of the illegal organization. Three bottles of petrol bombs which the fleeing IPOB members abandoned were recovered by the Police while the Military recovered some exhibits including “Biafran Coat of Arms”.During the same period, the Mobile Police Officers who were going about their lawful duties were attacked by these hoodlums close to Government House. They poured Petrol on the mobile vehicle with the intent to set it and the personnel therein on fire. They were however repelled by their colleagues who were deployed to guard the Government House.The IPOB members also blocked various routes leading into and around Umuahia, pulled down traffic stands, set up bonfire, attacked security operatives and intimidated the general public.In the face of all these provocations, Police restrained themselves. Let me say here that there is a limit to provoking and testing the will of the state. However, in order to forestall a repeat of the ugly situation, the IGP has deployed an AIG incharge of Operations at Force Headquarters and over 500 Police personnel to the State. They have been deployed accordingly.With the proscription of IPOB and declaration of IPOB as terrorist organization, it has become illegal for any individual or group of individuals to operate under such name as they will be arrested. Henceforth, any individual or organization that harbors, procures, finance, instigate, counsels, aid and abet the illegal movement under whatever guise will be arrested and brought to justice. Additionally, it is illegal for IPOB to operate under whatever guise not even as a vigilante group.While the general public is advised to go about their normal duties, I appeal to all and sundry to please cooperate with the police and other security agencies. Security Agents have been directed to be civil, courteous but firm and on alert while discharging their duties.The general public is also enjoined to collaborate with the Police by reporting any acts of criminality and suspicious activities capable of causing a breach of the peace, to the Police or other Security Agencies.We appeal to the Press and all peace loving Abians to partner the Police to ensure that Abia enjoys lasting peace.
DSP OGBONNA GEOFFREY, AMIPR
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
ABIA STATE COMMAND.
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