Biafra: Kanu’s mum, sister lead protest

From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia and Petrus Obi, Enugu
The ‘release-Nnamdi-Kanu’ protest sweeping across the South-East and South-South took a new dimension, with the mother and sister of the detained Radio Biafra director joining a protest organised by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOD), yesterday in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
The protesting party took off from Port Harcourt on Sunday morning, with IPOD members trekking to Aba and then, Umuahia. As they trekked to Aba, the number increased.
On getting to Ubakala, close to Umuahia on Sunday night, the group was accosted by security personnel who attempted to disperse them but failed.
The protesters passed the night at Ubakala, from where they were joined by Kanu’s mum, Ugo Eze Sally Nnenne Kanu and sister, Princess Chichi Kanu as early as 5.30am yesterday.
From Ubakala, the protesters surged towards Umuahia, bearing placards with messages demanding Kanu’s release. The pro-Biafra protesters, who bore the Biafra flag, sang solidarity songs as they called for the release of their leader. The protest caused an unprecedented gridlock on the roads and streets of Umuahia.
The protesters marched through major streets of Umuahia, under the watch of security operatives who followed them from place to place, including Isi Court, in Umuahia South, Old Umuahia Road, Aba Road, Umuwaya Road, Isi Gate, Bende Road, Enugu Road and Ama Hausa, among others. One of the protesters taunted Umuahia indigenes, shouting that they should come out and join the protest, as Kanu is their son.
Before dispersing, the protesters said they would converge again today to continue the protest, which is expected to last for three days. IPOD members have been protesting in major cities in the South-East and South-South, demanding Kanu’s immediate release, who was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a related development, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru yesterday warned pro-Biafra activists in the South-East and South-South of its powers to suppress insurrection whenever the need arises.
Addressing newsmen in Enugu, yesterday, the GOC said: “These activities include protest marches, demonstrations and some reported cases of outright lawlessness and threat to lives and property.
“These demonstrations are being orchestrated by the Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), IPOB and other affiliated groups. These agitations and protests have led to an increased sense of insecurity across the regions.”
The GOC, who was represented by Col. Hamza Gambo from the Public Relations Department noted that while freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is guaranteed, the law does not allow for abuse of other person’s freedom and safety.