Security agents confront IPOB protesters, five feared dead

Not less than five people were reportedly killed in Aba on Friday as security agencies confronted protesters suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in Aba, Abia State.

It was learnt that the IPOB members, all clad in white, had staged a protest calling on the Federal Government to effect the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“There is a shooting of unarmed and peaceful protesting IPOB members in Aba by Nigerian security operatives,” a source said.

Another source disclosed that the protest started from Assa Road through Azikiwe Road, and “on getting to Amaogbonna, soldiers opened fire”.

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But efforts to reach the Army, through its spokesman, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Geoffrey Ogbonna, for comments were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders condemned what it called “the lawless killings of five innocent Igbo in Aba”.

In a press statement signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, the group called for the immediate arrest, sack, and prosecution of those involved.

The statement read in part, “We received with rude shock the barbaric killing of armless Igbo who were peacefully protesting and demanding for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, in Aba, Abia State.

“This is wickedness, barbaric, and lawlessness of the highest order. It is only the court of law that has the constitutional powers to give an order for the execution of any offender.”