The Nigerian Army has declared as illegal a directive reportedly issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), asking churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian Civil war.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Headquarters Operation UDO KA said the directive was capable of disrupting peace and creating panic in the region.
The Army acknowledged the sacrifices of victims of the civil war and expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones during the conflict, noting that their memories remain significant in the nation’s history.
It however stressed that there are already recognised national events approved by the Federal Government for honouring fallen heroes, including the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration and Independence Day celebrations.
The statement described the MASSOB directive as “illegal and provocative,” warning residents, clerics and youths against participating in any unauthorised activities linked to the order.
According to the Army, intelligence reports indicated that sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) planned to use the directive to cause tension and destabilise the peace currently enjoyed in the South-East.
Operation UDO KA, assured residents and religious organisations of adequate security, urging members of the public to go about their normal activities without fear.
The Army further warned that any individual or group found disrupting public peace or religious activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
It reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to protecting lives and property as well as maintaining peace and stability across the South-East region.
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