The Nigerian Army has asked churches and residents in the
south-east and parts of the south-south not to comply with the “illegal
directive” issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State
of Biafra (MASSOB) to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian civil
war.
MASSOB had directed churches in the south-east and parts of
the south-west to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services for victims
of the civil war in May 31, 2026.
The service is part of activities marking the declaration of
Biafra by Chukwuemeka Ojukwu in
Reacting to the directive in a statement on Friday, Olabisi
Ayeni, acting deputy director at 82 division, said the military recognises the
pain and sacrifices of families who lost loved ones during the war, but only
officially recognised national events should be used to honour fallen heroes.
“These include the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the
Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day. These solemn
occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity, and remembrance,” the
statement reads.
“Operation UDO KA remembers with compassion the sacrifices
of the fallen heroes which can never be forgotten. However, true honour, lies
in unity, peace, and lawful remembrance, not in illegal directives by some
irredentists aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.
“The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative,
and must be disregarded by all. Any gathering or activity outside the framework
of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Ayeni said the army was aware that sympathisers of MASSOB
and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had issued the directive in an attempt
to create unrest in the region.
He warned clerics, residents and youths against
participating in the planned activities, saying they were intended to
destabilise the relative peace currently enjoyed across the south-east.
“Operation UDO KA wishes to reassure the general public,
including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses
without fear of intimidation. Any individual or group that disrupts public
peace or religion activities will face the full weight of the law,” the
statement added.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other
security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and
ensuring peace across the South-East.”
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