From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
As reaction continue to trail the outcome of Monday, October 20 protests for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) from detention, the Igbo Mandate Congress,(IMC) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over alleged assault on some civilians who voluntarily joined in the peaceful protest.
IMC alleged that Rev. Fr. Livinus Udemba, some expatriates and journalists were tear-gassed for no just cause while they tried to join or monitor the protest.
IMC urged the Inspector General of Police to tender an apology.
The Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) made the assertions in a press statement made available to The Authority and signed by its Director General,Rev. Obinna Akukwe.
The statement reads, “Igbo Mandate Congress IMC , foremost Igbo Intelligence based organization, has condemned the operatives of the Nigerian Police for spraying teargas directly at a Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Livinus Udemba, at Transcorp Hilton area on the 20th of October, 2025 during the Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest organized by Activist Omoleye Sowore.
“Rev Fr Livinus Udemba CSSP, a Holy Ghost Father, was in the company of some expatriates and group of protesters from Ibadan who converged to give solidarity to the detained leader of IPOB separatist group, Nnamdi Kanu.
“He also joined some clergymen from both the Catholic, protestant and other denominations who converged in solidarity with the protesters.”
Rev Obinna Akukwe said that Rev Fr Udemba travelled all the way from Awka Anambra State to Abuja for the Protest on Monday 20th October, but on getting to Transcorp Area the Police attacked a small group firing tear gas to disperse the group.
According to the statement, tge priest ran towards the Power House and Nigerian Communications Commission and the Police closed in, and he was pursued alongside a crew from Al-Jazea group, comprising two Nigerians and a foreign reporter.
According to Rev.Akukwe, Rev Fr.Udemba moved from the Power House area through the Unity Fountain and the Police were everywhere, prompting him to trek towards the Maitama Area of Zenith Bank.
Rev Obinna Akukwe,In the press statement condemned the assault on a clergy and his expatriate compatriot.
Akukwe, who also spoke during the situation room assessment of the protest over Igbo Political Space in Garki, Abuja, asked the Inspector General of Police to apologize over the alleged assault on the clergy, expatriates and foreign journalists who came to witness the protest.
Akukwe described Rev Fr Livinus Udemba as an activist catholic priest whose group, Pelicans Youth Leadership Family, have partnered with Igbo Mandate Congress in the fight against Criminal Elements amongst Separatist Agitators, Diabolic Native Doctors , Ritualist Organ Harvesters and Corrupt Tendencies within the political space in the South East.
Meanwhile, Rev Fr Udemba said he has forgiven those who tear gassed him, asking God to show them mercy.
He joined Igbo Mandate Congress in praying for a peaceful and prosperous Igbo Land and Nigeria.
