A showdown between men of the Nigerian army and the Indigenous People of Biafra members seems imminent as the Nigerian Soldiers have reportedly blocked the entrance of the family residence of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ahead of his parents’ burial.
Information released by Amnesty International (AI) revealed that 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
Osai Ojigho, Amnesty director in Nigeria, called for caution, and asked the security agencies to “deescalate the rising tension” in the Abia community.
“Concerns about possible violence during the funeral must be addressed within the framework of human rights and rule of law.”
Since the burial was announced, there has been a hot exchange between the police and IPOB, which was banned and declared a terrorist organisation last year.
While the group has insisted on attending the event, Ene Okon, Abia commissioner of police, has vowed that the funeral would not take place if IPOB members attempt to attend it.
Kanu, who has been on the run since 2017, is, not contemplating attending, but said the burial will be broadcast live.
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