Some pro-Biafra supporters have allegedly been shot and brutally beaten by members of the Nigerian police as they gathered for prayers at Ibo National High School, Aba.
Some of the pro-biafra supporters shot by the police in Aba
Ten persons lost their lives and another twenty injured yesterday during the protest by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State as the protesters clashed with security agencies.
Unconfirmed, reports have it that over 30 members are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the city while another 20 are in detention.
According to The Nation, the protesters gathered at Ibo National High School for prayers before their plan was aborted as the police in patrol vans clashed with them.
A source said: “In the morning, we gathered at Ibo National High School for prayers and address by the Aba coordinator
“While the prayers were on, we noticed police patrol vans and because we locked the gate, they could not enter. They attempted to scale the fence, but could not. Shortly after, soldiers came in Hilux vans and scaled the fence.
“When they entered, they asked for our coordinator but we resisted them. The next thing we heard was gunshot. I can’t say how many died because there was a stampede as people tried to escape.”
The source however said that no amount of killings or intimidation of its members by the government will discourage the group from pursuing its cause as the protest would continue on Friday.
Spokesman of the Ohafia 14 Brigade Army, Major Mbaneme Sidney could also not be reached but a source at the 144 Battalion at Ukwa West denied the allegation that soldiers shot the protesters. He said the arrested members had been handed over to the police for further investigation.