Following the exchange of verbal missiles between the pro-Biafra groups and the Abia State Police Commissioner over the burial of IPOB leader’s parents, tension has gripped Afaraukwu community, the hometown of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the police has issued warnings to IPOB members or pro-Biafran groups that they should not come near Umuahia and Isiama Afaraukwu during the burial Eze Israel Kanu and Ugoeze Sally Kanu while pro-Biafran groups insisted nothing would make them not to attend the burial.
According to Daily Sun, the arrival of some members of IPOB outside Abia State for the burial has heightening tension.
There was morbid fear among residents yesterday in Afaraukwu as a result of the stance of the police and IPOB and some schools had been ordered to close for mid-term break for fear of risking students given the threats by police and IPOB.
According to report, a resident who would not want his name mentioned told Daily Sun that some members of the community would not witness the burial due to insecurity.
“We are packing our things an travelling to the village,” said a couple who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
Some members of the community, however, continued in their activities not bothered by the outcome of the burial.
IPOB and Ohanaeze Youths Council are, however, not happy with the position of security agencies which they consider provocative and insulting to Igbo traditional.
Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and spokesman of the family, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, said they have repeatedly assured that the burial would be peaceful, hence there was no need to deploy security personnel to the venue. It was gathered that a contingent of three police mobile units have been drafted to Abia to beef up security in Umuahia and environs.
It is expected that the military, which have been patrolling Afaraukwu for days would be on guard to forestall breakdown of law and order.
Abia Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon, held meeting with leaders of Afaraukwu community where he promised that police would provide security at the venue to ensure a smooth burial.