Nwafor Okafor
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
has raised the alarm over planned attack on churches in the South-East by suspected Fulani terrorists.
Emma Powerful, the secessionist group’s media and publicity secretary stated this on Tuesday in a message circulated to journalists.
The group said ,” We deem it neccessary to alert Christians and the general public that Fulani people havr devised another means of attack against Christians, churches and non-Muslims in Biafraland.”
The pro-Biafra agitators said they got the information from their intelligence unit ‘the M.Branch, adding, “The Nigerian government is transferring bandits and terrorists as ostensible Christians into the Eastern region of Nigeria in readiness to replicate similar or deadlier terrorists act that was unleashed in Owo Catholic Church, Ogun state.
“We advice Christians and other religious leaders to sit up, be at alert and be security conscious as strange seeming worshippers of non-Igbo ethnicity would infiltrate their midst to commit havoc. They must be on the look out for Fulani looking persons that may come to join them in pretence as converted Christians, do not also be deceived into thinking that Fulanis don’t speak Igbo, dress like Igbo and behave like indigenes because they do. So many of them were born and brought up in Igboland and they know not just all nooks and crannies, they also understand all events and their seasons.
“These terrorists and bandits have flooded Biafraland especially the commercial cities like Aba, others in Abia State where Pastor Kumuyi had chosen for his aborted crusade.They parade themselves as having converted to Christianity and are being rejected by their Muslim families in the North, which for us is “tragedy waiting to happen”.
IPOB further alleged that, “They now attach Christian names to their names as religious tricks to have you accept them. Examples Emmanuel Kabiru Sule, Mathew Christian Shehu, John Lewis Katsina and others. They tell very pathetic stories that touch to heart of people of conscience like the Igbos.
“Please don’t allow them; they are terrorists and bandits. Christians in Biafraland should know that they are the next target and they must take absolute security precautions as their plans are deadlier than can be imagined. Churches must introduce tighter and properly detailed security measures. Do not fall for this Fulani hoodwink, they’re in our midst now. Always return home early, recognize and note the people and things around you.
While stating that markets were other places targeted for attack, IPOB advised market leaders to beef up securities around the markets, adding,” They have encircled everywhere but they will fail and no body should entertain fear because IPOB/ESN are waiting for them, however be sure to take precautionary measures.
“Don’t be quick to point or direct a stranger to your pastor and your reverend fathers or rabbi or any other worker in your church. In the meantime, avoid night out and late night meetings and programmes. Dangers ahead are too enormous, be ready for what is to come Biafrans and report suspected movements to IPOB office around you, we must bring them down they will not succeed. We have been encountering some of them at nights and day, carrying security jobs beyond your imagination.
Everybody be watchful,” the secessionist group said.
