Soldiers, IPOB members clash over Biafra celebrations

By The Citizen

Several persons allegedly lost their lives today during a clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The clash occurred during celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the defunct Biafra republic.

The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1966.

The anniversary celebration turned bloody when soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade confronted the IPOB members, who had blocked major streets.

It was gathered that the IPOB members had taken to the street as early as 6a.m to mark the anniversary.

Markets in Onitsha were also closed as a result of the anniversary.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Alli Okechukwu, confirmed the incident, but declined to give details about the lives lost.

'We are busy clearing the blocked roads in Onitsha, to ensure that normalcy returns. We are not counting the number of casualties at the moment,' he said.