EXCLUSIVE: Relocation Of Boko Haram Suspects To Ebonyi Prompts Massive Students Protest

Posted by African Examiner Exclusive Reports, Ignatius Okpara, Latest Headlines Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara, Abakaliki

Residents of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, mostly youths in tertiary institutions, have concluded plans to stage a state- wide protest over the recent alleged relocation of 47 members of Boko Haram insurgents from Anambra to the area.

AFRICAN EXAMINER had earlier reported that there had been serious tension in the state, especially in Abakaliki, over rumours that the suspected Boko Haram terrorists were evacuated from Ekwulobia Prison in Anambra State, to the Abakaliki Prison.

But the state Governor, David Umahi, dismissed the speculation while reacting, saying he was not aware of such development.

He said “there is even no plan in sight for the deposition of the dreaded suspects in Ebonyi State.

Despite the Governor’s denial, residents of the State still live in perpetual fear.

However, Our Correspondent gathered from a reliable source who craved anonymity that youths in the state, mostly those in tertiary institutions, have concluded arrangement to embark on protest over the development.

Said the Source: “Let me tell you my brother, no amount of Governor Dave Umahi’s deceit, and explanation, or threat from security agencies, can stop us from our planned protest, aimed at saying no to this ugly development in our peaceful state.

“Why should they relocate the deadly Boko Haram members from Anambra to Ebonyi state? Why can’t the Federal government evacuate them to Maidugiri, Kano or Yobe, their headquarters?.

“Is Ebonyi the only State in Nigeria that has prison? Or they feel we are fools that can’t ask questions?

“We are therefore, asking Governor Umahi, and the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency relocate the deadly insurgents to elsewhere in the North, or be ready to incure our wrath” because it is unacceptable to us”

“From every indications, it is quite clear that our Governor is trying to play politics with the issue, because he does not want to offend President Mohammadu Buhari” the source alleged.