- Says “Be Security Conscious And Vigilant”
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday issued a travel advisory to Igbos travelling home for the Christmas and New Year season, advising them to “be security conscious and vigilant” and avoid some roads that are prone to those kidnapping for ransom.
Asking ‘Biafrans’ “not be intimidated by sponsored criminals from not returning home for Christmas,” IPOB said in a statement by its Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, that they should avoid some roads in Anambra and Imo States.
IPOB also raised alarm over “the influx of Nigeria policemen without uniform, alleging that “most of them are likely criminals. More so, our people should be careful of the agent provocateurs who are kidnapping people for ransom and killing some of their victims around some routes in Anambra and Imo States. Ndigbo are advised to be security conscious and vigilant as they travel to celebrate Christmas.
“Biafrans should not be intimidated by sponsored criminals from not returning home for Christmas. However, we advise our people to take the following travel advice seriously and be on their guard. People should inform their families and friends when they are traveling and what routes they may be taking.
“The following roads within Anambra and Imo States should be avoided if possible. But where not possible, extra caution should be taken as you travel for this Christmas season.
- Nnewi, Ukpor, Isseke road.
- Orsumoghu to Mbosi road.
- Azia junction road to Orsumoghu junction.
- Isseke to Ubuluihejiofo road.
- Isseke to Orsumoghu road.
- Orsumoghu to Orsuihiteukwa, Ihitenansa link road to Eke ututu.”
IPOB added: “Anybody coming to Nnewi South, Ihiala-Igboukwu-Orlu road should be very careful. If possible, avoid the road completely. Also, be very careful at the TOTAL filling station at Ihiala junction.
“Travelers must avoid the use of shortcuts along Lagos – Benin expressway, Onisha-Owerri road, and any other shortcut routes.
“People must be patient to stay along the main road even when there are traffic jams. Any shortcut or narrow pathways can lead passengers to the hands of criminal elements.
“Don’t ignore this warning and information as you travel to Alaigbo during this Christmas season. Share this press release widely. Please be careful not to trust any security personnel you encounter in the Eastern region. Many of them are colluding with criminal gangs.
“However, ESN Operatives will be on the spot patrol at this yuletide season to secure our land. Therefore , criminal elements and their collaborators should watch their backs. Neither Nigeria compromised security forces nor their sponsored criminals will stop Ndigbo from returning home to celebrate Christmas as usual.”