Th e Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday told the Indigenous People of Biafra and other agitators to pursue their interest within the law of the country.
ACF gave the advice following reported clash between troops of the Nigerian Army conducting operation python dance 11 and members of IPOB in Abia state.
National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, who disclosed this in a statement, commended the rapid intervention of the Abia state governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu for imposing 3-day curfew to douse tension in the state.
Th e statement reads: “Th e attention of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to the allegedly reported clashes between troops of the Nigerian Army while on Operation Python Dance11 and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State.
ACF commends the prompt intervention of the Abia State Gover nor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu,who has imposed a three day dusk to dawn curfew on Aba town in order to douse the tension and bring the situation under control.
“With the dusk to dawn curfew in place, the military and other security agencies should ensure that peace and harmony in the areas aff ected are not only restored but sustained.
“ACF also commends the eff orts of South East Governors Forum for setting up a Probe Committee to investigate the clash in order to unravel its remote causes and to proff er an enduring solution to such problems.
Identifi ed perpetrators of the crisis should be made to face the wrath of the law in order to serve as deterrent to others.
“In this regard, ACF urges the Governors of the South East and South South regions to take adequate and necessary steps to protect the lives and properties of the innocent and law abiding citizens living in their states.
“ACF appeals to members of IPOB and other agitators for whatever cause to always pursue their concerns within the confi nes of the law and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
“Furthermore, ACF wishes to praise the military for their professionalism in handling the security challenges and calls on the Federal Government to be fi rm and resolute in bring such situations under control in favor of peaceful coexistence needed for meaningful socioeconomic development.
We therefore appeal for calm and urge citizens to appreciate the need to live in peace and harmony.
