The family of Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro, has continued to count their loses following the involvement of their son-in-law, Frank Okechukwu with the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
According to source, MASSOB, which was founded by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike in 1999, is advocating for an independent Biafra state for the Igbo people, primarily through a non-violent resistance.
MASSOB Leadership Shift: Uche Madu Succeeds Uwazuruike After BIM Split
Though, MASSOB is currently being headed by comrade Uche Madu after Chief Ralph Uwazuruike pulled out of the separatist movement to form Biafra Independent Movement (BIM).
Following what has been generally perceived as injustice suffered by the Igbo people in Nigeria, many pro-Biafra movements.
This includes then Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) sprang up to agitate for the Independence of Biafra.
Overtime, they have come under vicious attacks masterminded by security forces in Nigeria.
Over 2000 agitators have been killed, while unspecified number have been reportedly missing. Some also, have fled the country in search of refuge in safe places.
Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro Case
It is been estimated that over 1000 agitators have been jailed by the authorities. The Case of Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro
Ijeoma Martin Okoro’s family became a victim of high-handedness of security forces.
Their son in-law, Frank Okechukwu has been a wanted man following his involvement with MASSOB.
In April 2024, security operatives got a tip that their wanted son in-law, Frank was in town.
They mobilized and traced him to Okoro’s family residence in Atani, Arochukwu in Abia State.
During the raid by the irate security operatives, the wife of Chief Okoro, Mrs Cecilia Ijeoma Nnenna got on their way, which resulted in a serious face-off. Unfortunately, she was shot and stabbed.
Also, her husband, Ijeoma Martin Okoro, was not spared by the security operatives.
Attempts to save his wife from the ruthless officers, were rebuffed.
He was brutalized and dragged on the floor like a common criminal.
Following their failed attempt to smoke out Okoro’s son in-law, the security operatives left the two couple in a sorry state.
Okoro and Nnenna Rushed to Hospital
Both Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro and Cecilia Ijeoma Nnenna, were later rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Unfortunately for the family, 76 year old Cecilia Ijeoma Nnenna succumbed to her gunshot and stab wounds.
She died in the hospital the following day, being the 6th of April 2024.
While Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro, who could not stand the trauma of losing his wife, died on the 7 of March 2025. He died as result of cardiac arrest.
However, investigation by this paper later revealed that Chief Martin Okoro’s son in-law, Frank Okechukwu, was not in town and the security operatives were only acting on false intelligence report.
Till date, the government have done little or nothing to punish the security operatives whose actions resulted in the death of Chief Ijeoma Martin Okoro and Cecilia Ijeoma Nnenna.
Both the family and the entire community have been living in fear.
It is also important to note that constant attacks by the security forces against individuals associated with MASSOB have become a constant reoccurrence in Atani, Arochukwu in Abia State.
The authorities have shown less concern in arresting the situation and protecting innocent civilians.
