Tension in Anambra as Police arrests 35 MASSOB members on 16 Years Anniversary

www.odogwublog.com reports that tension best describes the mood in Anambra state now following the arrest of no fewer than 35 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB yesterday by the Nigerian Police and other security operatives.
They were said to have been arrested at various Churches in Anambra state as they came to thank God for their 16 years of existence.                                                                                                                               
At St Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Okpoko,18 of the members were  reportedly arrested while those that were not arrested continued with the thanks-giving church service.


Speaking on the arrest, the Anambra North Coordinator, Emmanuel Omenka said, " those arrested were my members and they were more than 18." 


"We are a non violence body and have come to thank God for our existence for 16 years when the police, army and other security operatives stormed the church and arrested some of us", he disclosed.                                                                                                                                                            
 "This anniversary is taking place all over the world and by the special grace of God no amount of intimidation, arrest and detention will deter us from struggling to actualize a sovereign state of Biafra", he said further.


Also at St Michael’s Catholic Church Nnewi the Regional administrator for Nnewi South, Tony Nwodo said, "they came here at this church and shot one of us and arrested three members".


"The Police are hunting us for nothing and even in a place of worship they still attack us as we mark 16 years of our existence", he added further.


As well, two were arrested in Awka according to the MASSOB former Deputy director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha. 


As at the time of filing this report the arrests were still ongoing and armourd vehicles placed in various locations even as MASSOB members were mobilizing at Umunze in Orumba North and Achalla in Awka North for their celebrations.