A clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and men of the Nigerian police force as well as Nigerian army has reportedly left one person dead in Anambra.
The clash, which took place on Wednesday in Aguata local government area of the state, was said to have been caused by the planned visit of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the group.
The IPOB members had gathered in Ekwulobia, Aguata, in anticipation of Kanu’s visit regarding his no-referendum-no-election campaign.
They were said to have converged in their large numbers, chanting Biafra songs.
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Trouble started when security operatives – including soldiers, policemen and other paramilitary agencies – who had gathered at the arena reportedly seized and burnt items being sold by the Biafra agitators.
“The Biafran flags, caps, shirts and other items being sold by some youths were seized and burnt by the security operatives, a witness told PUNCH.
“The situation angered the IPOB members and they tried to attack the security operatives who tear-gassed everybody and in the process, one of their (IPOB) members was killed.”
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The state police command, however, denied any death in the incident.
Nkeiruka Nwode, the command spokesperson, said the invasion of security operatives was “to secure the people of the area from being attacked by hoodlums”.
“A complaint was received by the police that there was a gathering and blockage of road by some people at Central School, Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA,” the statement read.
“The police with other security agencies on joint patrol went to the scene, dispersed and cleared the road peacefully without any clash.
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“However, normalcy has been restored and people are going about their business without any threat or molestation.”
Kanu had said the November 18 governorship election in the state would not hold unless the federal government conducts a referendum concerning the quest for a sovereign state of Biafra.
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