IPOB Demands Adequate Police Protection For October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the full protection of peaceful protesters expected to participate in the October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB asked the police to maintain professional standards not only in language but in action, stressing that the integrity of the police institution rests on impartial enforcement of the law.
IPOB expressed concerns over the previous incidents where some security operatives had infiltrated peaceful protests using hired provocateurs to incite violence and discredit legitimate movements.
“IPOB urges the Nigeria Police Force to guard against such practices during this period,” the group stated.
“Such tactics, if repeated, would not only violate the rights of Nigerians but also betray the very constitutional principles the Police have pledged to uphold.”
The group noted that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign and any related peaceful demonstrations scheduled for October 20 were not organised by IPOB.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the campaign is a broad-based civic effort championed by human rights activists and pro-democracy advocates, including Omoyele Sowore and his team, who have publicly declared their commitment to peaceful and lawful advocacy for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement said.
“IPOB, as a lawful and peace-loving movement, fully supports this democratic initiative and shares in its call for justice, freedom, and accountability.”
Reiterating its commitment to peace and order, IPOB directed its members to remain calm, respect the court’s restrictions, and avoid confrontation during the upcoming demonstrations.
“The agitation for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release transcends ethnicity, religion, or political alignment,” the group noted.
“It embodies a universal demand for justice and respect for the rule of law, values cherished by every freedom-loving Nigerian.”
Powerful urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that all peaceful protesters are “protected, not provoked or persecuted,” stressing that the conduct of security agencies during the demonstration would serve as “a litmus test for Nigeria’s adherence to democratic norms.”
“IPOB remains unwavering in its commitment to non-violence, lawful advocacy, and the pursuit of justice,” the statement noted.
“We pray for God’s protection over all participants in this noble struggle for truth and freedom.
“Let peace prevail, and let those who profit from chaos and oppression be exposed by the collective unity of a people yearning for justice.”
