Yuletide season: MASSOB warns kidnappers, armed robbers to stay away From South East region

Posted by African Examiner Ignatius Okpara, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, December 19th, 2013

Ignatius Okpara

The leadership of movement for the actualization of sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has warned those planning to engage in various forms of crimes, especially kidnapping and armed robbery during this year’s festive period to better stay away from states within South East geo political zone of Nigeria, or be ready to face full wrath of the militia group.

It, however, assured the people of the area of a crimes free Christmas and New Year celebrations especially in cities like Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, Abakiliki, Port-Harcourt, Enugu, Umuahia, Awka, Asaba, Okigwe, Afikpo.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Onitsha, signed by its National Director of Information Comrade Uchenna Madu, the group said “MASSOB was ready to work with other security outfits in the region during the festive period to rid the area of criminals.

The statement read in part: “MASSOB securities are on the ground to join other security agents in combating crimes and other social vices, in Igboland”

“We want our people to enjoy their stay in South East during this festive periods, we shall work in unity with other security agents and Government agencies like Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Government Traffic Agencies to achieve a wholesome peaceful environment and free movement of people and vehicles”

“MASSOB is now warning criminals, touts and Area boys parading themselves as Government agencies to steer clear of public roads and places”

“The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) wishes to assure our people- Ndigbo and other Easterners in general of the security of their lives, properties and other investment in this Christmas season.

“Our people that reside outside the region do no longer desire to return home during festive periods because of all sorts of criminal activities and social vices including kidnappings, arm robbery, raping and stealing, irrespective of heavy presence of Nigeria security agents in our land.

“The Nigeria mentality portrays Igboland as the den of kidnappers, arm robbery and uncomfortably in our people who reside outsides Igboland.

“Categorically, MASSOB wishes to inform Ndigbo that such wicked impression is to tarnish the industrious image of Igboman, to persuade our people to hate their land and their native villages

“The Northern part of Nigeria is full of terrorism and bloodshed as a result of Boko Haram and Islamic fundamentalist activities, while other areas are engaged in raping, incest and other crime,” the group stated.