A group which describes itself as Ndi Anioma of Nigeria – the umbrella body covering Anioma people at home and in Diaspora – has condemned the activities of pro-Biafra protesters in Delta State as part of their campaign for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested on October 17 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, and detained by the Department of State Service (DSS), even after he has met his bail condition.

According to the group, the arrest and extra-judicial detention is deserved, because “the UK-based Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the man behind the venomous Radio Biafra. Pro-Biafra groups should understand that barricading our roads and shutting down socio-economic activities in our region cannot earn them our backing or patronage. We appeal to them to leave our people out of their struggle and concentrate efforts in the South-East where their agitation has not even received a nod from Ndigbo.”

In a press release jointly signed by 12 men and women, it recalled: “48 years ago, the reckless drive into Anioma territory by Biafrans led to the Anioma genocide in which several Anioma people were massacred in Asaba, Ibusa, Igbodo, Ogwashi-Uku, Otulu and Isheagu of the former Asaba Division. To keep silent on this current incursion into Anioma territory can only demonstrate that Anioma people have learnt nothing from their past. Memories of that war in which our people lost everything is still living with us. We remember with horror, during the Civil War how fleeing Biafrans destroyed the River Niger Bridge, leaving our people to face the rampaging federal troops, resulting in near annihilation of our people. If the people of the South-East require any alliance with our people, such alliance should be rested on the development of the Anioma area within the confine of Nigeria and not a confederation to prosecute a war against the Nigerian State.”

They counselled: “Any attempt to secede will result in a war, which will not only shatter their region but will definitely make the 1967-1970, a child’s play. The challenges of the people such as complaint of marginalisation and poor state of federal roads are real, but it is not expected that conflict be used to solve it. It becomes imperative that the people of the region put their representatives on their toes to deliver to the region, and committedly key into the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to address these challenges and many more. Finally, we cannot deny the fact that certain adventurers of Anioma origin still exist who have barefacedly and rapidly given their interest to Biafra-seekers, but we must warn that these people are far from speaking on our behalf. The attitudes of some of our youths, most of who did not experience the last civil war and innocently crave for one, can only be considered as a dangerous juvenile act. Our people cannot see the path to development and choose war for any reason.”

In conclusion, the group noted: “By this timely warning, Ndi Anioma of Nigeria, the registered socio-cultural organisation of the Anioma people shall begin to encourage other Anioma organisations to give our people proper orientations on this development. With this statement, Anioma people are putting the world on notice and at the same time, placing it on record that Anioma is not and cannot be part of Biafra, despite the frequent use of the region’s name by such advocates.”

Lauretta Onochie, Emeka Esogbue, Gloria Adagbon, Emmanuel Nwaokolo, Smart Ajaja, Frank Ofili, Benson Ozour, Harris Pen Ogbolu, Lawrence SC Egwali, Gregory Ogbolu, Ifeanyi Onwuli, Fidelis Chimokwu.

•Photo shows Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta state.