Pro-Biafra Protests: Police Vow To Deal With MASSOB, IPOB, Others

The Nigeria Police Force has warned the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) against any act capable of breaching public peace during the protests rallies planned by the groups for 30 May. The Police also declared, as illegal, orders market closure and vehicular movement restriction issued by the IPOB to traders and motorists across states of the South-East on the day of the protests.
The Nigeria Police Force has warned the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) against any act capable of breaching public peace during the protests rallies planned by the groups for 30 May. The Police also declared, as illegal, orders market closure and vehicular movement restriction issued by the IPOB to traders and motorists across states of the South-East on the day of the protests.
 The position of the Police was made known in a statement signed by Mr. Jimoh O. Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer.
According to the Police, the planned protests carry serious security implications, warning that hostilities and subversive propaganda deployed by the groups could result in a breach of public peace.
The Force called on the pro-Biafra agitators to consider the consequences of their actions and activities, as it will not hesitate to deal with groups or individuals that cause violence or impede the movement of others.
It added that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Lawal K. Idris, has directed Police Commissioners in the affected states and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to be civil, but firm in dealing with the situation. The IGP also directed that all Police personnel and Police anti-riot equipment be put on red alert to deal with any eventuality.
“The Force sees the activities of these groups as not only unlawful but highly provocative and capable of causing a breach of the peace currently being enjoyed in the South-East States and other states of the federation. The planned protests and orders of market closure and illegal, unilateral, self-imposed restrictions of vehicular movements by these groups in the affected states should be disregarded by all well-meaning Nigerians,” declared the Police.
The Force assured members of the public of adequate protection as they go about their duties, urging them to disregard orders restricting their movement. While acknowledging the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the protesters express themselves, the Force said such rights must be decorously exercised in a way that does not violate the rights of others to free movement, access to public and private facilities as well as their means of livelihood.
“The Nigeria Police, while observing the rights of all Nigerians, as stated above, is equally conscious of the fact that these rights are not absolute as Section 45 of the same Constitution provide for derogations to these rights. Consequently, the Police will resist the action(s) of any person or group of persons for whatever course that is against the interest of public defense, public safety, public order, public morality and a threat to the rights and freedom of other Nigerians,” the Force vowed.