Army Warns Churches Against MASSOB-Ordered Civil War Memorials, Says Directive Illegal

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Army has described as illegal and provocative a directive allegedly issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), instructing churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian Civil War.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Headquarters Operation UDO KA said the directive was aimed at disrupting the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in the region.

The military said it sympathises with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledged the sacrifices made to preserve Nigeria’s unity. It noted, however, that the Federal Government already recognises official platforms for honouring fallen heroes, including Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration and Independence Day.

According to the statement, while the sacrifices of those who died during the war remain unforgettable, remembrance must be conducted within the framework of lawful national commemorations and not through directives capable of creating division and tension.

Operation UDO KA alleged that sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were behind the planned memorial activities, warning that any gathering or event outside recognised national commemorations would not be tolerated.

The military urged clerics, youths andresidents of the South-East to disregard the directive and avoid participating in activities it said were designed to destabilise the region and create panic among citizens.

It further reassured churches and members of the public that they should continue their religious activities and businesses without fear, adding that security agencies remain on alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The statement stressed that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across the South-East.

Operation UDO KA also warned that individuals or groups found disrupting public peace or religious activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.