Pro- Biafra Group Honours Civil War Heroes In Abia

From Ignatius Okpara, Umuahia – Social and Economic activities in the commercial city of Aba, Abia state were totally shut down weekend as members of a Pro-Biafra group, under the aegis of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) marched round the city in honour of the fallen heroes who died during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.

Our Correspondent reported that as early as 8.30am, members of the group numbering over 10,000 gathered at Christ the King CKC Catholic Church from where they marched to all nooks and crannies of the town.

They marched through Asa road, Aba-Owerri road, Umule, Ariaria, Port Harcourt road and Ogbor Hill and later returned to the take-off point.

Road users, especially motorists, had a hectic time passing through the affected areas as traffic moved in a snail speed, just as residents of the city trooped out enmass to catch a glimpse of the group.

The exercise, attracted presence of heavy armed security operatives, as several police patrol teams guided the march along the major roads while soldiers mounted an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at Ehi road by Asa road junction.

The group chanted pro Biafra songs like “Ikwere na Biafra, Biafra, Biafra; Ikwere na Biafra, welie aka gi elu” meaning “If you believe in Biafra, Biafra, raise your hand up”, with the enthusiastic residents raising their hands up in support and dancing to the rhythm of the song.

However, a cross section of them who spoke to newsmen under condition of anonymity, confirmed that the march was held to honour some of the Biafran freedom fighters who died during the Civil war.

Another member of the group, told journalists that, “It is more than 100 years after Lord Lugard amalgamated the people of Southern and Northern Nigeria.

” In the treaty, it was agreed that after 100 years, anyone that felt that they are no longer comfortable with staying in the union has the right to secede and that is what we are doing.” he stated.

According to him, the Indigenous People of Biafra have been treated well as a people and called on Biafrans to continue the struggle until self-determination is achieved.

“What we want is a sovereign state of Biafra and nothing else. We are going to achieve that soon” he declared.