The Anambra State Police Command said it has arrested a suspect enforcing an “illegal” sit-at-home along the Oba flyover in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Thursday, indicated that the suspect was among a gang of four armed men regrouping to enforce the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra on May 30.
Ikenga added that the suspect was arrested, following an Intel that some armed men, operating on motorbikes were regrouping to enforce the sit-at-home, along the area.
He said the police operatives, who arrived in the area, intercepted the gang members and demobilized them while the other three members of the gang escaped with bullet injuries.
He said, “Following the intel gathered, the operatives on 29/5/2024 by 2 pm laid ambush on the miscreants along Oba flyover, Idemili South LGA, intercepted a gang of four armed men operating on motorbikes and demobilized one of the miscreants, while the other three escaped the scene with bullet injuries.
“The operatives recovered a locally made Barreta pistol, four expended cartridges, two phones, and some signals/initials showing unpatriotism and disloyalty to the Nigerian government.
“Preliminary information showed that the armed men were regrouping to enforce illegal sit-at-home tomorrow May 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the operatives are on the trail of the three armed men who escaped the scene.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Obono Itam, charges the operatives to sustain the tempo of the onslaught against the criminal elements and continue to deny them the space they enjoy to commit havoc in the state.”
Meanwhile, the command has warned anyone to desist from disseminating threatening contents of sit-at-home, saying such is capable of causing a breach of peace.
Through its spokesman, the command said it is fully aware of these secessionist activities and urges law-abiding citizens to disregard such propaganda.
“Rest assured, the Police, along with other security agencies, have mobilized law enforcement resources to ensure the safety and security of every citizen in the state,” the command stated.
The Indigenous People of Biafra had declared a sit-at-home order for today, May 30, in commemoration of Biafra Heroes Day to honor those who died during the Civil War.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
