Tobias Sylvester
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reinforced the ban on all activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the state, in line with the proscription of the Igbo secessionist agitator group by the court and Federal Government.
Governor Wike, in a Friday night broadcast also declared one Stanley Mgbere wanted with a N50 million bounty for his arrest for allegedly leading IPOB members on Wednesday’s fatal attacks in parts of the state.
According to the governor, the money will be paid to any person who can provide credible information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.
He promised to sign an executive order to effect the proscription of IPOB in the state, adding that he would meet with communities and stakeholders to ensure prompt implementation in collaboration with security agencies.
“Security agencies are directed to stop any form of procession or agitation by IPOB in Rivers or any part thereof and arrest and prosecute any person or group that identifies with IPOB in the State. Government will issue executive order to strengthen effective enforcement of these measures.
“Today (Friday), IPOB continued with its devilish and destructive activities at Rumukwurushi, Iriebe and Oyigbo in open defiance of the State Government’s curfew on human movements.
“Security intelligence and surveillance reveal that IPOB has continued to expand membership drive, holding meetings regularly, and expanding its logistical base, including maintenance of illegal detention cells in Emenike and other parts of Diobu, Port Harcourt.“
Oyigbo town has practically become the group’s main operational base in Rivers, from which they’ve become notorious for launching premeditated violence and terror on the State, businesses and innocent citizens.
“As a people, we have become very much unsettled by the terrorist acts and endured the continuing irritations, violence, destruction and provocations of IPOB in and against the people of Rivers State.”
He called for calm in Oyigbo, appealing to residents to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands despite the intense provocation, assuring on government’s capacity to deal with the challenge and ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.
Governor Wike further assured that his administration will soon carry assessment of destruction suffered in the recent violence and take appropriate measures to mitigate the losses and damages to lives and property while sympathizing with families of those killed.
KanyiDaily had reported that on Thursday night, residents of Oyigbo had came under attack by unknown ungunmen and some people believe the killings was carried out by the Nigerian Army.
