•‘We won’t be cowed by killing’
Ten persons were killed and another 20 injured in yesterday’s protest by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State, when the protesters clashed with security agencies.
Unconfirmed reports said over 30 members are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the city while another 20 are in detention.
A source said the protesters gathered at Ibo National High School for prayers before their plan was aborted. “In the morning, we gathered at Ibo National High School for prayers and address by the Aba coordinator“While the prayers were on, we noticed police patrol vans and because we locked the gate, they could not enter. They attempted to scale the fence, but could not. Shortly after, soldiers came in Hilux vans and scaled the fence.
“When they entered, they asked for our coordinator but we resisted them. The next thing we heard was gunshot. I can’t say how many died because there was a stampede as people tried to escape.”
He added that no amount of killings or intimidation would discourage the group from pursuing its cause as the protest would continue on Friday.
Commissioner of Police Joshak Habila could not be reached for comments.Police spokesman Ezekiel Udeviotu Onyeke was also yet to comment as at press time.
Spokesman of the Ohafia 14 Brigade Army, Major Mbaneme Sidney could also not be reached but a source at the 144 Battalion at Ukwa West denied the allegation that soldiers shot the protesters. He said the arrested members had been handed over to the police for further investigation.
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