The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has called on Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to put an end to the illegal arrest and torture of innocent Igbo youths in Aba.
This appeal comes in response to the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area, allegedly by gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30.
It was reported that the soldiers were deployed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint near Aba metropolis in Abia State when they were attacked.
The sit-at-home order was intended to commemorate the Igbo people who died during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war from 1967 to 1970.
Reacting to the incident, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters vowed to take decisive action against IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In an open letter to Governor Otti, the OYC, the apex Igbo socio-cultural youth organization, condemned the killings and other criminal activities in the South East.
However, the council emphasized that these acts should not justify the Nigerian military’s targeting of innocent youths.
The OYC expressed concern over reports of intimidation, maltreatment, and illegal arrests of innocent civilians in Aba by the Nigerian military following the killing of the soldiers.
The letter, signed by OYC President Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and Secretary Ifeanyi Nweke, urged Governor Otti to intervene.
“Your Excellency, Ohanaeze Youth Council cannot support any criminal elements terrorizing Alaigbo.
However, we appeal to you to use your executive authority to stop the ongoing illegal arrests, maltreatment, and intimidation of innocent civilians in Aba by the Nigerian military,” the letter stated.
The OYC demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested on May 31 in Aba and Obingwa LGA.
They urged Governor Otti to ensure that those responsible for the soldiers’ deaths are apprehended and brought to justice.
“We remind you that the Nigerian military has a tradition of retaliating against innocent civilians each time they are attacked by criminal elements in Alaigbo.
This unprofessional conduct should not be allowed under your administration.
We trust that as a committed democrat, you will take swift action to ensure the release of all innocent civilians detained by the military in Aba, and prevent further illegal arrests to avoid civil unrest,” the letter concluded.
The letter was titled, “An open letter by Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) to Dr. Alex Otti requesting prompt intervention on the intimidation, maltreatment, and illegal arrest of innocent citizens by Nigeria Military in Aba.”