MASSOB Challenges Nigerian Army to Tackle Banditry

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has issued a challenge to the Nigerian Army, urging it to direct its hostility toward the so‑called “Islamic terrorist bandits” that are active in northern and western Nigeria.

In a statement released on Friday, MASSOB leader Comrade Uchenna Madu responded to what he described as the Army’s alleged attempt to suppress the Biafra Day anniversary.

The group accused the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu of issuing directives to churches in Biafra land to hold memorial services and prayers for the victims of the 1967‑70 genocide against Biafrans, calling the move irresponsible and provocative.

MASSOB said the Army should be ashamed for failing to label the activities of the Islamic bandits as provocative or illegitimate.

It also advised churches in Biafra land to ignore the Army’s statements, urging them not to be defeated by the “devil.”

The organization blasted the Army’s provocative stance, stating that it will not drive MASSOB toward violence or armed struggle. It emphasized that the Army appears uneasy with the reality of Biafra’s actualization and restoration.

“Let the Nigerian army channel their antagonism to Islamic terrorist bandits ravaging northern and western Nigeria,” the statement read. “Is it because MASSOB is a non‑violence movement? Is it because we have never carried arms against Nigeria? Is it because we choose to conduct our activities in line with international standards of self‑determination activism?”

“The foundation of MASSOB is rooted in the principles of non‑violence. We have never killed or retaliated against Nigerian security agencies for the extrajudicial killings of our non‑violent members because we believe in a non‑violent struggle for self‑determination.”

“Tomorrow is the 59th anniversary of Biafra’s declaration by Gen Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Biafrans are urged to commemorate the event with a sit‑at‑home observance.”

“On Sunday, May 31, all churches in Biafra land will observe special prayers for Biafra and the victims of the genocide committed against our people,” the statement added.