Pro-Biafra protests shut down Onitsha, Aba
Activities in the commercial city of Aba in Abia State were yesterday brought to a halt as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continued its protest for the release of its leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Though the protest was peaceful, vehicular movement was grounded as the group marched on double lanes of major roads. The Aba-Owerri Road, Azikiwe Road, Faulks Road, Tonimas, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway and other entry and exit routes were blocked.
The Nation gathered that the group, yesterday, went round major markets in Aba and warned traders against opening for business. The order was obeyed except for shop owners within streets who though opened, closed down upon sighting the crowd.
Sources said the protesters blocked the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and prevented vehicles from entering Aba.
The protesters said they would not relent in their quest to get freedom for Kanu. 65- year-old Jude Iheme, a pastor, said the actualisation of Biafra was revealed to him in a dream and so he would not relent until Biafra was realised.
Residents have however lamented their loss since the protest started. They said continuing the protest in December, a period regarded as the peak of economic activities would not be in the interest of business owners.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari and authorities concerned to seek ways of ending the agitations.
Though the protest was peaceful, vehicular movement was grounded as the group marched on double lanes of major roads. The Aba-Owerri Road, Azikiwe Road, Faulks Road, Tonimas, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway and other entry and exit routes were blocked.
The Nation gathered that the group, yesterday, went round major markets in Aba and warned traders against opening for business. The order was obeyed except for shop owners within streets who though opened, closed down upon sighting the crowd.
Sources said the protesters blocked the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and prevented vehicles from entering Aba.
The protesters said they would not relent in their quest to get freedom for Kanu. 65- year-old Jude Iheme, a pastor, said the actualisation of Biafra was revealed to him in a dream and so he would not relent until Biafra was realised.
“I don’t believe in violence or arms bandying because I am a pastor. Since I got a revelation about Biafra, I have been preaching about it everywhere I go and always joined any pro-Biafra protest because we need to be free.”Another protester said the protest would continue so far the Federal Government refuses to release Nnamdi Kanu, saying that there would be another protest on the next adjourned date of his trial.
“Nnamdi Kanu is our leader, there is no way we will remain quiet while he is facing trial unjustly. How many of the Boko Haram leaders have they arrested and tried?”The protest ,which started at about 7am went on till about 5pm as members of the group were seen on the streets of Aba still protesting.
Residents have however lamented their loss since the protest started. They said continuing the protest in December, a period regarded as the peak of economic activities would not be in the interest of business owners.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari and authorities concerned to seek ways of ending the agitations.
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