By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has condemned the recent attack on Lilu, Orsumoghu in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, and on old Eke Ututu market, located at Orsuihiteukwa, Orlu, Imo State.
IPOB in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, accused the Nigeria Arny and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma of spilling blood of innocent citizens in Imo state and destroying their properties that included markets in the name of searching for criminals.
Powerful said: “If the Nigerian army claim they are after criminals, do these criminals own stalls at these markets? Do these criminals stay in those markets that warranted the soldiers to attack and burn down markets that have existed long before their mothers and fathers were born?
”This wickedness against poor women, many of whom are widows, fending for their families, will surely call for anger of ancestors and that of Chukwu Okike Abiama. He used thunder against the army Commander that specialized in murdering innocent Biafran youths at Ohafia Military barracks.
“What was this occultic Hope Uzodinma, thinking in attacking innocent women and men doing their legitimate business at the Eke Ututu market? Was it because the people living in that area were those who stood up against Hope Uzodinma’s tyrannical government in Imo State and today he decided to attack them to teach them as pay back? Hope Uzodinma, his family, and his APC party will reap the fruits of what he is sowing in Imo state”, he stated.
IPOB consequently, warned Uzodinma to stop the alleged execution of Imo people and rebuild the old market that was the life line of people of Biafra during the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafra, to avoid the wrath of the ancestors and gods of that market.
He assured that the gods would strike whoever that destroyed one of the oldest markets in Igboland., Eke Ututu, that played a very vital role during the Biafran genocidal war, reiterating that Uzodinma and his generations would not go unpunished if the market is not repaired.
IPOB therefore, condemned the attack against Eke Ututu market, and described the action as barbaric, abomination, cowardice and challange to the ancestors.
He assured that, “Uzodinma is going to get his reward shortly from the ancestors, gods of the land, and the spirits that are packaged in that market, will never let him go scot- free. Everyone will see the cost and results of his actions soon.
”Eke Ututu market is one of the oldest markets in Igboland which our ancestors established and must not be desecrated and vandalised by the uncircumcised, sent by Mr Hope Uzodinma.
”Therefore Hope Uzodinma and Nigeria army will eat their cakes soon because what they did has spiritual implications. They will see it happening and know that Igboland is not alone in this fight for the freedom and independence of Biafra people. They will soon realize that both the spirit in Igbo land and our ancestors are in sinc with Biafrans in our quest to restore our heritage and rebuild the fallen walls,” he further stated.
IPOB however, extended its deepest sympathy and condolences with the families of the seven, (7), innocent defenseless people, killed and tagged IPOB and ESN operatives, saying that international law forbids to kill unarmed persons.
POB also sympathized with those whose shops were burned and their means of sustenance and livelyhood destroyed in a twinkle of an eye, and urged the families of the innocent people murdered, those who lost their shops, and goods in the market, to be strong and patient as the spirits of their land and ancestors would revenge on the perpetrators of the abomination of burning down the Eke Ututu market.
According to Powerful, “What they did to Eke Ututu market is abominable but we will endure, and they will regret their actions in the fullness of time. Hope Uzodinma wait for your recompense because you have crossed the red line by burning down one of the oldest market in Igbo land