SAN FRANCISCO, August 16, (THEWILL) – One person was reported dead on Wednesday in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed with police and soldiers.
The clash was instigated by a planned visit of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to the area in furtherance of his anti-election campaign in the state as security operatives made up of soldiers, police and other paramilitary agencies converged on Ekwulobia.
The security operatives came in over 10 trucks but the IPOB members were unperturbed as they kept singing and chanting Biafran songs.
The Biafran flags, caps, shirts and other items being sold by some youths were seized and burnt by the security operatives which angered the IPOB members and they tried to attack the security operatives who tear-gassed everybody and in the process.
Speaking about the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiruka Nwode, in a press statement denied any death during the encounter but confirmed the presence of security operatives in the area, saying that it was to avoid breach of peace.
“There was nothing like that (death). The presence of the security men was to secure the people of the area from being attacked by hoodlums,” her statement read in part.
“A complaint was received by the police that there was a gathering and blockage of road by some people at Central School, Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA.
“The Police with other security agencies on joint patrol went to the scene, dispersed and cleared the road peacefully without any clash.
“However, normalcy has been restored and people are going about their business without any threat or molestation.”
About the Author
