Police deny arrest of 57 Biafra agitators in Enugu
By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu
Enugu Police Command has denied claims it arrested 57 pro-Biafra agitators in Enugu, the state capital on Sunday.
Some agitators, who are members of the Benjamin Onwuka-led Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF), had on Sunday claimed policemen from Ogui Division stormed their meeting venue and whisked them away.
In a message he sent out on Sunday, leader of the group, Onwuka said: “They arrested 57 of our members this morning. We were preparing to go for our Biafra parade.
“We are non-violent people, we are peaceful agitators. They should be released immediately, unconditionally, without charge, they committed no crime.
“We have informed the United States of this development.”
But in a swift reaction, Enugu Police spokesman, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, denied arresting the agitators.
He rather explained that 54 persons were seen to be unlawfully gathered at Owerri Road, Ogui, Enugu and brought to the headquarters for questioning.
“After nothing incriminating was found on them, the commissioner of police, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, addressed and cautioned them to go home and maintain peace. They all left happily,” he said.
Onwuka had few days ago announced they would storm the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on May 30, for a Biafra parade.
– The Nation
