The Nigerian Army has called on residents of the South East to disregard a directive by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for churches to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian civil war. The Army described the directive as illegal and aimed at disrupting peace in the region.
MASSOB's Directive
MASSOB had instructed churches in the South-East to conduct memorial services for civil war victims and enforced a sit-at-home order on May 30. In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division in Enugu, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, stated that the directive is not only illegal and provocative but must be ignored by all. He warned that any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations will not be tolerated.
Army's Warning
“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB have 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,” Ayeni said. He reassured residents, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation. Any individual or group that attempts to disrupt public peace or religious activities will face the full weight of the law.
Security Commitment
Ayeni emphasised that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East. He noted that the South East Joint Task Force Operation Udo Ka has been alerted to the illegal directive. “Headquarters Operation Udo Ka 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,” he said.
Ayeni concluded that while the sacrifices of the fallen heroes will never be forgotten, “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.”
