From GEOFFREY ANYANWU, Awka
Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), yesterday, warned Igbo traders in Anambra State against allowing enemies of the movement to use them to disorganise the only pressure group in Igboland.
The organisation stated that the warning became necessary following the uncovering of alleged, “plans by traders in Onitsha, in collaboration with security agencies, to riot and demolish all the offices of the movement in the state any moment from now.”
But speaking to newsmen yesterday, in Onitsha, MASSOB’s Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, said that no amount of pressure, harassment or intimidation would stop the movement’s activities.
He urged the traders to exercise patience as the group being the only pressure group in Igboland, does not want crisis or anything that could destroy Igboland both politically and economically.
He said: “We do not want bloodshed in Igboland, we do not want violence or any form of crisis. Igbo traders should not allow the enemies of MASSOB to use them to disorganise the group.
“Some politicians, especially in Anambra State, are against the movement. What some people are planning is likely to lead to open declaration of war. We are advising Anambra State Government to stop anything that will bring bloodshed and if they fold their hands and allow such a thing to happen, the image of the state will be at stake like Borno, Yobe and other northern states where Boko Haram operates.
“MASSOB members are not criminals and not violent, but we will not want a situation where some individuals will use traders and push us to the wall.”
The Director of Information, who described what happened on Monday in Ontisha between traders and MASSOB as unfortunate, stressed that there was no issue that could not be resolved.
Madu noted that six members of the movement were still at the hospital due to the injuries they sustained during the clash between traders and MASSOB at Mgbuka market in Onitsha.
Meanwhile, MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has ordered the closure of the Owerri road office of MASSOB following the clash.
The Sun