By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the recent attack on IPOB women showcasing and celebrating African dishes by alleged hired thugs who claimed to be Oba youths in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The group accused politicians working with the President Mohammadu Buhari-led administration of masterminding the attack.

In a statement by IPOB media and publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group wondered the rationale behind the attack of IPOB women and members who were peacefully celebrating and showcasing African dishes in Oba on Sunday, July 12, 2020, saying that the perpetrators will not go free.

The statement reads in part: “IPOB operates everywhere in Biafraland and the world at large. It is unbelievable that since the attack on these unarmed women in Oba, nobody in Oba or Igbo land has ever come out to condemn this barbaric action of unscrupulous elements among Oba youths against IPOB.

“Therefore, nobody should blame IPOB when we reciprocate or pay them back in their own coin. The attackers and their sponsors should get ready to reap the fruits of their labour.

“Aborji village youths in Oba that allowed themselves to be used by the enemies against our peaceful mothers and wives should know that they can’t escape justice. Before it gets too late, Oba community leaders should ask them to come now and pay for their atrocities and the damages they inflicted on innocent and peaceful movement. The earlier they do this the better for them because the day of reckoning is fast approaching.”

The group said that the identities of the people that participated in the atrocious act are known to it, adding: “There is no hiding place for them. We are calling on Oba elders, leaders and those acclaimed politicians including those who sponsored them to make sure that they release those arrested by the police. They must also take responsibility for those vehicles and properties destroyed during the attack on IPOB members.

“One thing is certain: any Oba youth who was involved in this act will regret being part of this evil act and must pay dearly.

“It’s imperative we assure those sponsoring these criminals that IPOB will not let them go free unless they atone for their atrocities.”

IPOB said it is not oblivious of the plans by the “Fulani government in Nigeria to use some Igbo people to set Igbo land on fire.”

It regretted that Oba youths and their facilitators are ignorant of the grand plot by their pay masters.

“The Nigerian police arrested many of IPOB members including innocent media practitioners covering the barbaric attack.This invasion and arrest happened when Oba youths were used by few politicians in Oba and police station in Idemili South to attack their fellow citizens who were fighting to deliver and liberate them from bondage.

“We are equally aware that those hired thugs in Oba and nearby communities were paid common N1,000 to disrupt what IPOB is doing.

“Nigerian police illegally arrested more than 100 members of IPOB since this attack and invasion took place in Oba. Police command in Awka once again adopted another round of house to house search in Oba and other communities searching for anybody suspected to be IPOB member.

“It is unfortunate that Oba youths challenged our women without knowing that they are challenging our men and not even giving respect to our mothers and wives. IPOB members, our mothers and wives arrested on Sunday by Nigeria police received serious torture and injuries because security operatives manhandled them without considering that they are women,” IPOB said.

The group called on the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and Police Commissioner, Mr. John Abang, to release IPOB members and women arrested at Oba on Sunday by security agents in the state.

It insisted that damages must be paid by Oba youths and their sponsors in this barbaric attack against IPOB women.

IPOB also urged the President General, and Oba youth President to provide the youths involved in the act or be ready to bear the consequences.