Scores of members of movement for the Actualisation of sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB) have been arrested by the Ebonyi State Police Command with the assistance of other security agencies in the state that were on a peaceful demonstration around the major streets of the metropolis.

The MASSOB group had earlier announced the event through a news conference and social media channels across the country. It was gathered that the day is to commemorate the declaration of Biafran Republic by its leader, Ralph Uwazuruike.

News Expresslearnt that the security agencies in the state accosted them along Nkaliki road as they started the peaceful march, sprayed tear gas on them and arrested some of them in the process.

It was further gathered that the Army, Department of State Security (DSS) and the Police carried out the joint operation.

When contacted, Commander of Nigerian Military Cantonment in Nkwegu, Col S. O. Sadiq, confirmed the participation of the Army in the incident and arrests, adding that all the arrested persons were handed over to the police.

According to Sadiq, the MASSOB did not notify security agencies in the state of the event in writing which necessitated the action to stop them by security agencies.

Also, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident to our correspondent but could not give the actual number of persons arrested.

“I don’t have the details of the actual number of persons arrested right now, when I get the full details I will let you know,” she said.