Biafran soldiers protest in Ibadan

HUNDREDS of angry Biafran military  pensioners in the country Monday besieged the Oyo State Secretariat saying they regretted fighting against Biafran soldiers to ensure the unity of the country.

They said if they had known that the country would repay them in this wicked manner, they would have fought for the survival and sovereignty of Biafra.

The retired soldiers who spoke through their Chairman, Mr.  Mr. Gabriel Oiakhena said, “we have been pushed to the wall. The families of over 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives in Biafra are suffering.

We who are alive are just living as destitute. Many of us have died because they did not have money to treat and fend for themselves. Senator David Mark has spent about twelve years and he has done nothing for us.

When the militants were pushed to the wall, they took up arms and fought with the last pint of their blood”.

Also speaking on the issue, another ex-soldier, Mr. Olatunji Johnson said they came to draw the attention of Federal Government to their 53 per cent unpaid arrears and other allowances.

To prevent breakdown of law and order, all gates leading to the secretariat complex were shut against the angry pensioners.

Armoured Personnel Carrier, five police Hilux Vans and scores of armed policemen were stationed at the entrance of the secretariat.

Displaying the injuries they sustained in the Biafran War and many placards condemning the discouraging attitude of the government, they said it was unfortunate that they were being treated in this inhuman manner after fighting for the unity of the country.

He said their mission to the office of Governor Abiola Ajimobi was to present a letter on their plight to him for onward delivery to President Goddluck Jonathan.

He said, “we will not allow the government to rest until our money and other entitlements are paid. Many of us are still being paid N10,000 as monthly pension while they are wasting millions over there. It is not fair”.