IGP Solomon Arase

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has directed that suspects arrested over the killing of policemen during a rally by to mark 49^th anniversary of the declaration of the defunct Biafra Republic on Monday across the South east and South south parts of the country should be arraigned in court for murder.

At least two policemen were confirmed to have been allegedly killed by the agitators for Biafra Republic led by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB in Asaba, Delta State during the rally as the protesters clashed with security operatives. There were also reports of attacks on policemen in Onitsha, Anambra State by the protesters.

While condemning the attack on his men in a statement issued on his behalf on Tuesday, by ACP Bisi Kolawole, Arase ordered that the Biafran activists should be disarmed immediately.

The statement reads: “Following the manifestation of the disposition of the armed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) activists to undertake premeditated attacks on Police officers engage in operations aimed at restoring public order in States in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zone of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in the affected area to disarm members of the group operating firearms immediately.

“The IGP noted that the targeted attacks on Police personnel, who have been performing their statutory functions in the most professional and civil manner since the latest resurgence disorder, portrays the IPOB activists who are orchestrating the insurrection as having crossed the threshold in their misguided attempt to test the common will of the nation.

“IGP Arase, while condemning the killing by members of IPOB, also directed the arrest of any member of the group found in possession of firearm and bring him/her to deserved justice, while all IPOB activists arrested in connection with the killing of the Policemen should be charged to court for murder,” Kolawole said.

The IGP also assured in the statement that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to diligently work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and assures Nigerians of its commitment to their safety and security.