By Staff Reporter
ABA, ABIA STATE — Tension gripped parts of Aba following a security crackdown on suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after a sensitisation rally held on May 29, 2024, ahead of the group’s sit-at-home directive.
The rally, which was described as peaceful, was organised to remind residents and supporters of the planned sit-at-home on May 30. According to participants, the demonstration was also aimed at commemorating fallen supporters, marking the 1967 declaration of the Biafra Republic, and calling for a referendum.
Eyewitnesses said the procession, which was moving towards Ariaria International Market, was intercepted by security operatives. Gunfire reportedly ensued, leading to casualties, injuries, and arrests, although official figures were not immediately available.
One participant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he narrowly escaped the incident. “As we were marching, the military blocked us and started shooting. People were running in different directions. Some were hit; others were arrested. Myself and some others IPOB members only managed to escape,” the source recounted.
The situation was equally reported to have escalated in the early hours of May 30, when security personnel allegedly conducted raids in parts of the city targeting suspected IPOB members.
The same source alleged that operatives arrived at the residence of many suspects, including one Akpan Udofia, Onyenemezi Darlington Obinna, and several advocates of IPOB, but were unable to gain immediate access due to a locked street gate manned by local security.
“They came very early and started shouting, asking who locked the gate and threatening to shoot,” the source said.
Fearing arrest, the suspects, with members of their family, fled through a back exit to seek refuge in the neighbourhood. “Not long after, we heard gunshots,” he added.
According to him, security operatives reportedly searched apartments and arrested one Pa Uzogbia Dennis, the landlord of one of the suspects, Onyenemezi Darlington Obinna. The landlord was reportedly released after two days under undisclosed conditions.
When contacted, local authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. However, security agencies have repeatedly stated their commitment to maintaining law and order and have warned against unlawful gatherings.
The sit-at-home directive has been a recurring source of tension in the South-East, often leading to disruptions in economic activities and confrontations between residents and security forces.
As of the time of filing this report, some arrests of suspects have been confirmed, while some residents continue to express concern over the recurring “SIT-AT-HOME clashes.
