The protesters, who are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and MASSOB demanded the release of the promoter of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged anti-Nigerian Government comments on Radio Biafra.
The march in Umuahia was part of the threat by the pro-Biafra groups to take the protest to all the states of the South-East before going to Abuja, if Kanu was not released.
However, economic and social activities were not disrupted as offices, markets and shops remained open as residents went about their normal businesses. Numbering about 500, the protesters peacefully marched through Isi Court in Umuahia South Local Council, through Aba and Umuwaya, Bende and Enugu roads. They marched around the city carrying the portrait of Kanu and the Biafran flag while chanting songs of freedom.
Meanwhile, before the arrival of the protesters, a combined team of security agencies including police, army and civil defence had mounted surveillance at strategic locations in the city like the Government House and Isi Gate even as convoy of heavily armed security personnel patrolled the city with armoured personnel carrier.
Earlier, before the protesters surfaced, Abia Government had said in a radio announcement that it received disturbing reports that some people under the aegis of MASSOB had planned to disrupt the peace of Umuahia on Monday, and alleged that it was being sponsored by an unnamed politician.
Signed by the new Information Commissioner, Comrade Bonnie Iwuoha, the government said: “While appreciating the rights of citizens to air their views in a democracy, government will not condone lawless acts that could impede the progress of the State.”
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