The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has said that its members are being persecuted in Nigeria.
According to report, the spokesman of the group, Mr. Edeson Samuel, made this allegation in a statement.
Samuel: MASSOB Nonviolent Pro-Biafra Group for 26+ Years
Samuel described MASSOB as a nonviolent self-determination, pro Biafra agitation movement, which has existed for over 26 years, noting that it has never engaged in criminal activities or arms struggle.
The movement condemned the brutal actions of the Nigerian authorities against its members.
It urged the international community, including the United Nations and other human rights organizations, to intervene and put a stop to the harassment and arrests of its members in Nigeria.
The group also called for global intervention on the harassment and arrest of members returning to Nigeria.
It added that the rights of its members to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are being violated.
Appealing to the global community to take action to protect these fundamental human rights.
MASSOB Urges Foreign Nations: Protect Asylum-Seeking Members
The group equally urged foreign countries that have asylum-seeking MASSOB members to ensure their safety and not deport them back to Nigeria, where their lives may be at risk.
“We urge these countries to consider the grave dangers faced by our members in Nigeria and provide them with the protection they need.
“It is time for the world to stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of Biafra and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its actions.
“We remain committed to the peaceful pursuit of Biafran self-determination and calls for an end to the persecution of our members,” the statement said.
However, during an interview with Diaspora Digital Media, the leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uche Madu, corroborated the statement and said that Nigeria truly persecutes their members, with several cases proving it.
Hundreds of MASSOB Members Jailed, Missing After Clashes
He said hundreds of their members sit in various Nigerian prisons, while authorities left many others unaccounted for after encounters.
He cited a case of one of their member, Kalu Okechuknu Frank, who is currently in exile.
Madu said Okechukwu fled the country because he actively participated in MASSOB.
His home and business came under attack.
authorities made several attempts on his life.
Madu said: “We have one of our member named Frank Okechukwu Kalu, an indigene of Abia State, who joined MASSOB in 2009.
Okechukwu: MASSOB Coordinator for Imo, Abia Sensitization
He was a coordinator of the group. Okechukwu was in charge of sensitization of MASSOB members in Imo and Abia State.”
Speaking further, he said authorities tried to arrest Okechukwu.
On several occasions, authorities tried to arrest Okechukwu for his group loyalty. Attackers shot him and targeted his business.
Do you also know that authorities detained this young man for days and unfortunately assaulted him?
“So, whenever I say our members are being persecuted, I’m speaking the truth.”
He added that this constant persecution pushed Kalu Okechukwu Frank to go on exile.
Okechukwu Kalu Flees Nigeria to Save His Life
“This situation forced Okechukwu Kalu to run away from Nigeria just to save his own life.”
Madu however, appealed to the international community to call the Nigerian government to order, adding that the persecution of their members must stop.
