Amid the insistence by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that its May 29 - 31, 2021, sit-at-home order would hold across the five states of the South East, the Imo Government, yesterday, mandated residents to go about their activities without apprehension. The Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said it had concluded arrangements with security agencies in the state to contain any eventuality. The Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, gave the assurance at a press conference in Owerri. He said: “Let me also use this opportunity to make it clear that Imo people should ignore the messages making the rounds in the social media, asking people to stay at home on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30. “Imo people and residents should disregard these messages as they have no consequence whatsoever. They should go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation.
The Imo State Police Commissioner, Abutu Yaro, has warned the IPOB members against disturbing public peace and order in the state.
The Commissioner stated that operatives of the command would decisively deal with them if they try to enforce the sit-at-home order.
In a statement yesterday by the Command’s spokesperson, Bala Elkana, a Superintendent of Police (SP), Yaro warned the separatist group to refrain from creating fear and panic on the minds of patriotic and law-abiding citizens of the state, saying they were looking for opportunities to steal from unsuspecting members of the public.
The statement said: “The attention of Imo State Police Command has been drawn to some messages circulating on social media purported to have emanated from leaders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOP), directing innocent and law-abiding citizens of the state to sit-at-home on 29th, 30th and 31st May 2021.
“These inciting messages by disgruntled and misguided elements are targeted towards creating fear and panic on the minds of patriotic and law-abiding citizens of the state. The hoodlums are looking for opportunities to loot and steal from unsuspecting members of the public.
“The Command wishes to inform the good people of Imo State that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee their safety.
The police in collaboration with other security agencies in the state have massively deployed its resources and Special Forces to provide watertight security across the state.”
Yaro, therefore, advised members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“Do not succumb to cheap blackmail and threats from criminal elements, who cannot defeat the collective will of the people.
“Parents and guardians are strongly advised to monitor the movement of their children and wards throughout this period and beyond. To those who are bent on disturbing the peace of the state, we have this simple message for you – steer clear of the public space or write your will before you step out. The Command is battle-ready to deal decisively with hoodlums and criminal elements in line with the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that about five soldiers were reportedly shot dead yesterday along Wetheral Road, Owerri in Imo State as unknown gunmen attacked the area. An eyewitness revealed that the assailants ambushed the soldiers and opened fire on them.
