The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have declared May 30 to be a “sit-at-home” day, and the Anambra State Police Command has sent security guards to schools in advance of the celebration. Law and order will be enforced, according to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, by the “Operatives of Schools Protection Squad,” under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations Department).
The IPOB issued a warning on the holding of events on May 30, the day that honors those who died in the 1967–1970 civil war, including the convocation of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Joint security forces have been bolstered by Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Itam in order to resolve any security issues and combat illegal sit-at-home enforcement.
“By the deployment of the Operatives of Schools Protection Squad led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations Department to ensure the safety of students in the state, for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination on May 30th, 2024 nationwide.
“The Schools Protection Squad is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, designed to protect the schools, students, and institutional infrastructure. The squad is equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions.
“The personnel dispatched have been tasked to intensify robust patrols around schools and vulnerable institutions in all the locations in the state.”
“Also in the event to request security service or to report any security-related incident or otherwise, call us on 07039194332 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively,” Ikenga added.
Likewise, security personnel were stationed throughout the state on May 30 to enforce law and order, according to a statement released by the Imo State police command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, on Wednesday. According to him, the security guards came from the fire department, police, military, civil defense, road safety, and immigration departments. IPOB announced a sit-at-home action, but state residents were advised by CP Aboki Danjuma, the commissioner of state police, to go about their business.
The Anambra State Police Command’s mobilization against the IPOB sit-at-home order, just as Biafra’s Heroes Day approaches, is a clear sign of the government’s commitment to upholding law and order. It also draws attention to the difficulties in dealing with separatist movements and the demand for a reasonable strategy that upholds civil freedoms. In addition to quick police response, ensuring security and stability in the area calls for long-term plans that deal with the underlying causes of discontent and advance inclusive growth. The government may work toward a more peaceful and united Nigeria where all opinions are valued and heard by encouraging communication and participation.
The success of the police mobilization and the wider ramifications for peace and security in the Southeast will be decided in the next several days. This is a time to exercise caution, diligence, and dedication to the values of fairness and justice.
