MASSOB faults Army over opposition to Biafra memorial prayers

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has criticised the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, over its opposition to planned memorial prayers for victims of the Nigerian civil war.

MASSOB, in a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, described the Army’s reaction to its directive asking churches in the South-East to hold special prayer services as “provocative” and “unjustified.”

The group said the planned activities were intended to honour millions of Biafrans who lost their lives during the 1967–1970 civil war, insisting that remembrance services and prayers should not be criminalised.

“MASSOB wonders when memorial prayers for victims of war became irresponsible or provocative,” the statement read.

The pro-Biafra group argued that security agencies should concentrate more on tackling violent crimes and banditry across parts of the country instead of targeting non-violent organisations.

According to MASSOB, its philosophy has always centred on non-violence and peaceful self-determination, adding that it had never taken up arms against the Nigerian state despite alleged harassment and killings of its members over the years.

The organisation maintained that its activities were in line with internationally recognised principles of self-determination and warned that attempts to intimidate its members would not push the group into violence.

“MASSOB remains committed to non-violence and peaceful advocacy. No amount of provocation will push us into armed struggle,” the statement added.

The group linked the planned activities to the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

It urged residents of the South-East to observe a sit-at-home in commemoration of the anniversary and called on churches across the region to dedicate Sunday, May 31, to prayers for Biafra and victims of the civil war.

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