The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Friday said three buses conveying mourners attending the burial of the parents of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, Abia state were hijacked by Nigerian soldiers.
The Media and Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful, said the bus containing no fewer than 40 persons, coming from Aba, Igweocha and Owerri were hijacked at Ubakala Junction area of Abia state.
The group also accused Facebook Nigeria of collaborating with the Nigerian army and police to prevent dissemination of live video coverage of events on their platform.
The statement reads: “As the provocation, harassment, intimidation, kidnapping and arrest of mourners continue unabated along Enugu-Igweocha (Port Harcourt) Expressway, there are confirmed reports that 3 Coaster buses conveying mourners to Afaraukwu were hijacked by Nigerian soldiers at Ubakala Junction.
“We hope the world can see what these vandals in uniform are doing and duly taking note for future reference.
“Facebook Nigeria it appears are working hand in hand with the murderous Nigerian army and police, that failed woefully in the fight against Boko Haram in the north, by preventing real time dissemination of live video coverage of events on their platform, thereby aiding and abating human rights abuses in Biafraland.”
The group called for their immediate release to enable them proceed to the burial ceremony.