Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed annoyance over heavy military presence around the venue of the burial ceremony of the parents of Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The group warned the military against any act that could jeopardise peace in Afara-Ukwu and Umuahia, Kanu’s hometown ahead of the burial.
Ohanaeze made its position known in a Monday statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu.
Stern-looking soldiers numbering about 100 on Sunday allegedly barricaded and occupied the roads leading to Afara-Ukwu.
Kanu fled the country in 2017 after the Nigerian Army stormed his father’s home. He was released on bail by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, before whose court he was being tried for treasonable felony at the time.
His father, Eze Israel Kanu, and his mother, Ugoeze Sally Kanu died within months of each other.
Rumours are rife that Kanu, who has been in London since his escape, planned to attend the ceremony.
But the Ohanaeze spokesman advised the army to respect the dead and ensure that peace prevailed throughout the burial rites of the traditional ruler and his wife.
“I expect our army to concentrate in fighting the insurgents and not to create panic in peaceful communities,” Ibegbu said.
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