Police warn as IPOB plans sit-at-home protest

The police yesterday warned against any protest in the Southeast.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movermnet for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have called for a shutdown of businesses in the Southeast today to protest the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Apparently in anticipation of the action, many people were yesterday shopping for food and household items.

The police in Anambra State said MASSOB and IPOB members should retrace their steps.

In a statement yesterday in Awka, police spokesperson Nkeiruka Nwode, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), advised parents to warn their children and wards against joining the protest.

But MASSOB leader Uchenna Madu said what the groups were planning was “sit at home” and not a protest or demonstration.

He said MASSOB and IPOB had warned their members not to go onto the streets; they should stay at home to protest Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention.

But the police said: “The attention of Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to information that some misguided elements have perfected plans to cause public disorder and conduct themselves in a manner that is likely to cause breach of the peace.

“The command is using this medium to warn such elements to retrace their steps and desist from embarking on any acts of criminality.

“In the same vein, parents are advised to warn their children/wards from being used for acts of illegality.

“The command is reassuring law abiding Anambra citizens to go about their normal and lawful duties as the police is firmly effective on the ground to ensure any acts of crime or criminality will be decisively dealt with.

“Patrol teams and other policing apparatus have been emplaced to ensure protection of life and public safety.”

On Sunday, IPOB and MASSOB issued a directive that people should stay at home  today to protest Kanu’s detention – for many months.

The groups ordered all the markets in the Southeast, banks, institutions, motorist and civil liberty groups to shut down activities.

Found at: http://thenationonlineng.net/police-warn-ipob-plans-sit-home-protest/