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Following incessant raids across towns and villages in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State by Nigerian soldiers over sustained agitation for self-determination by members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the President of Uruagu Nnewi Town Development Union, Mr. Charles Nwonye, has cried out for the safety of their community youths.
Addressing journalists at the Uruagu Nnewi Town Hall on Wednesday, Nwonye revealed that “Since the beginning of last month, soldiers of the Federal Government despatched from the Onitsha Military Cantonment have been frequenting all communities in Nnewi North Local Government Area including Uruagu Nnewi.
“The soldiers said they are searching for IPOB members and the situation has forced our youths to run for their lives as in some cases, they are shot while others are whisked away without any trace as to where they were taken to.
Continuing, Mr. Nwonye said “In the latest raid, majority of youths including well educated ones went missing and all enquires on their whereabouts at the Army Offices proved abortive.”
“Currently, some of our community youths and illustrious sons that are missing include Mr. Nonso Obi, Mr. Chukwuemeka Cyril Okafor and Mr. Ugochukwu Ifeatu Ofortube.
“As a matter of fact, wives and close relations of these men are currently confused on their whereabouts.
“We are therefore calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to stop destabilizing Uruagu Nnewi community by pursuing and killing our sons even as we remain a peaceful and law abiding citizens,” the Town Union President averred.
It would be recalled that since the inception of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, his government has directed the Nigerian Army to trace and arrest members of IPOB.
Last week, several youths were killed by spray bullets fired by government security agencies in parts of Okigwe in Imo State and Aba in Abia State. Up till this week, many youths in the two South East towns are still missing.