The Nigerian Army through the attention of Headquarters Operation UDO KA has warned against plans by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, to hold memorial services in honour of civil war victims in churches.
DAILY POST reports that MASSOB had directed churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services in honour of the fallen heroes.
But a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army, Olabisi Olalekan said the directive by the secessionist group was illegal.
The statement reads, “the directive by MASSOB is illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all. Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB, IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos. Clerics, Innocent citizens and youths are therefore strongly advised to stay away from such plans, which are designed to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the entire Southeast.
“Operation UDO KA wishes to reassure the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation. Any individual or group that disrupts public peace or religious activities will face the full weight of the law.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring peace across the South-East”.
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