From Steve Oko, Umuahia
The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB says its had uncovered plots “by terrorists” to bomb about 14,000 churches in the South East geopolitical zone before the end of March 2020.
IPOB which raised the alarm in a press statement issued Monday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, called on Christians in the zone as well as Ndigbo in general to get ready for self defense.
According to the pro-Biafra group, the terrorists have already been deployed and allocated various churches to bomb “once they get the final order from their sponsors”.
The statement further said the terrorists had also infiltrated tricycle (a.k.a KEKE) business in most towns and communities across South East as a cover for the evil agenda.
The statement made available to newsmen read in part :” Intelligence gathering by IPOB has revealed that about 14,000 churches have already been earmarked for bombing by the terrorists who have been deployed to the zone.
“Most of the terrorists are already living among the people in the various communities and cities in South East where some of them operate now as tricycle (KEKE) riders , commercial motorcycle operators and shoe makers. They wander around our villages and streets as innocent people but they have wicked intents and are only waiting for order to unleash mayhem.
“Few days ago some of these blood suckers were observed in Umuahia identifying some churches to bomb on the set date. Further intelligence report by IPOB intelligence team revealed that the terrorists have concluded plans to blow up the marked churches simultaneously on the set date once they receive the final order from their sponsors. This,they intend to carry out before March 30.
“There is already so much evidence confirming this wicked plot. Just last week a security agent in mufti was seen at Orie Ugba Umuahia narrating how he narrowly escaped execution for refusing to ally with a secret plot to unleash mayhem on Biafrans. Similar event was also reported at Okigwe last month.
“It has also been discovered that many terrorists have infiltrated KEKE and Okada operators in most cities and villages with the evil objective of familiarising themselves with our terrains. ”
IPOB which accused South East Governors of docility and insensitivity over the looming danger said South East had already been surrounded by terrorists.
“We want to sound the alert to our people that Ndigbo and indeed the entire Biafra land have been surrounded by terrorists. They have already taken over our forests and farm lands marauding as herdsmen. Some of their foot soldiers now live among us posing as shoe shiners, hawkers, labourers and gatemen.
“It is very unfortunate that our Governors and selfish political jobbers are not concerned about this disturbing trend. They are joking with the security of their people. They connived with Abuja to betray IPOB.
” They have refused to form regional security outfit unlike their counterparts in the South West. So, our people should not trust or depend on our so-called leaders any more for their security. ”
IPOB also cautioned residents of South East against boarding KEKE and commercial motorcycles operated by strangers .
“Our people should also stop boarding KEKE or Okada being operated by strangers”, the statement read.
IPOB which also claimed that the explosion in Abule Ado, Lagos on Sunday was targeted against Ndigbo, the dominant population of the area , called on the international community to hold the Nigerian government responsible for any terror attack in South East.
“We also call the international community to hold the Nigerian Government accountable for the genocide going on in Christian communities across the country.
“They have refused to protect innocent people but allowed Fulani herdsmen, bandits and terrorists to move about with weapons of warfare including AK47.”
IPOB, however, vowed to vehemently resist any attempt to attack residents of South East, and to protect the people no matter the cost.
“Our message to the terrorists and their sponsors is that they will be shocked in the entire South East and South-South. IPOB is ready for them!”
But when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in charge of Abia State, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna said police were not aware of any plot to bomb churches in the South East.
