Kanu condemns killing of soldiers by IPOB

Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has condemned the killing of six soldiers by the group and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Kanu said this at his resumed hearing on Wednesday where he sought out-of-court settlement in the terrorism charge brought against him by the federal government.

The six soldiers came under attack by the IPOB group and its military arm, ESN, at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) , adjourning Aba metropolis.

The troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

The attackers were said to have come in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint.

Reacting to the killing, Kanu said, “I condemn any manner of killing in its entirety. I want people to understand that because the IPOB was founded on a non-violence principle and we maintain that until this very day. Some of these soldiers killed we are told are also our people and the family is now in mourning.

“All the making of young widows is condemned in its entirety. I don’t want it. I don’t want anybody to die. We are fighting for freedom. We want people to be free, that’s what we are fighting for.

“We’ve suffered a lot in Africa, from slavery in Arabia to slavery in Europe and slavery in America so I think we should focus our time and devout It towards making sure this continent stands up to what God promises it’s going to be and that’s what we are doing.”

Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the suit, counsel to the detained IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, informed the trial judge, Justice Binta
Nyako of the discussion with the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, that the defence wants the case settled out of court.
Awomolo, in his response, said it is not in his place to seek out-of-court settlement, adding that if the defence wants the matter settled out of court he should approach the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) who has the powers to approach the court for out of court settlement.
“It is not me that would go to my boss to tell him I want this case settled out of court,” Awomolo said.
Consequently, Justice Nyako said the defence can approach the AGF, and the court may be notified if he approves of the request.
Earlier, the court dismissed an application by the IPOB leader challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear and determine the charges preferred against him by the federal government.