May 30: Army reacts to MASSOB’s sit-at-home, church memorial directive

The Nigerian Army has declared illegal and provocative a directive issued by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) ordering churches across the South-East and part of South-South regions to hold civil war memorial services.

According to the Army, “Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos.

A statement by Lt. Col Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations made this known on Friday.

It reads, “The attention of Headquarters Operation Udoka has been drawn to an illegal directive issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), directing churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services in honour of civil war victims.

“Headquarters Operation Udoka empathises deeply with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledge the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united.

“The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness.

“However, it is important to emphasise that there are already established national occasions legally recognised by the Federal Government to honour our fallen heroes.

“These include the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day.

“These solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity, and remembrance.

“Operation Udoka remembers with compassion the sacrifices of the fallen heroes which can never be forgotten.

“However, true honour, lies in unity, peace, and lawful remembrance, not in illegal directives by some irredentists aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.

“The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all.

“Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos.

“Clerics, Innocent citizens and youths are therefore strongly advised to stay away from such plans, which are designed to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the entire Southeast.

“Operation Udoka wishes to reassure the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation.

“Any individual or group that disrupts public peace or religion activities will face the full weight of the law.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East.”