On Monday, the 5th of April 2021, there was a reported coordinated attack on the the headquarters of Imo state police command, located in Owerri, as well as a correctional facility (prison), also in Owerri, the capital city of Imo state.

The attack, which reportedly lasted from the hours of 1am to 3am, saw the setting ablaze of parts of the two facilities and vehicles located within their respective premises. According to the report, over 1800 prison inmates and another yet to be stated number of suspects from the cells of the prison and police command respectively were set free by the hoodlums.

Without any form of thorough investigation, the media (and later the police authority) accused a proscribed Biafran separatist group, Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, through its militia Eastern Security Network, ESN, as being responsible for the attacks.

Specifically, the police through its spokesman, CP Frank Mba, stated that the ESN hoodlums deployed General Purpose Machine Guns, Sub-Machine Guns, AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices etc at both facilities. Amazingly, Mr Mba stated that no fatality (death) was recorded despite the hoodlums employing these aforementioned weapons.

But, IPOB, through their spokesman, Emma Powerful, responded almost immediately by distancing the the attacks and accusing the police of calumnious campaign against the group.

Although, the police authority expects the entire country to believe their report, it is in my own humble opinion that the report of the police authority did not add up, and there is need for an independent investigation into the incidents.

It is a known fact that States' Police Headquarters are usually fortified to the teeth at all times, and contain several weapons and ammunitions within their armouries as well as trained personnels manning strategic areas within and outside the facilities. While it may be relatively easier to attack or even overrun a police division that is headed by a Divisional Police Officer, it is usually not so in the case of Area Commands that are headed by Area Commanders, not to talk of States Commands that are headed by the states' Police Commissioners. Even at the peak of their terrorism, it was never reported that Boko Haram insurgents overran any of the State Police Commands in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe or Bauchi states.

As such, I find it strange when the police authority said that hoodlums not only overran the Imo state police command headquarters, took over the criminal investigation department (SCID) and freed suspects locked in the cells, but also operated for close to 3 hours. Like seriously?

I also consider as strange when the police authority claimed that its officers and men "put strong resistance" to repel the hoodlums, yet there was no single fatality from either sides despite the use of the fortification of the command and alleged deployment of the aforementioned weapons by the hoodlums? Are they saying that the hoodlums that attacked the police command and correctional center with General Purpose Machine Guns, Sub-Machine Guns, AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices etc, burnt parts of the command and destroyed cars, and also freed suspects from the cells, have fear of God and sanctity of life that they decided not to inflict any serious injury nor death to any police officer or prison warden on duty?

Furthermore we all saw how the military stepped in to repel the attack on Ikoyi Correctional Facility (in Lagos state) in October 2020 during the EndSARS riot, why was that of Owerri different? Why was there no deployment of troop from the military division (that shares proximity to the police command headquarters and the prison) to stop the attack and overpower the hoodlums for the almost 3 hours?

While I can't authoritatively speak of the truthfulness or otherwise of the report of the police authority, I believe that the federal government should appoint an independent team to investigate the true event that transpired in Owerri and other attacks on security formations across the southeast. This will not only reveal the true event but would also help in bringing those found responsible to justice.

Conclusively, it is easy for the media, government and police authority to attribute any criminality in the east to IPOB and ESN especially with the irrational statements that usually come from Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB/ESN leader, and some of his supporters, but things will only make meaning to the citizens of the country and residents of the southeast when the authorities move beyond rhetorical blame game to investigating and unraveling the real criminals behind terrorist acts.

May God bless us all and bless Nigeria
Tonye Barcanista writes from Abuja

I am sure investigations are underway. However...

1. The way IPOB's celebrated the attack onthe Imo Police;

2. Coupled with Kanu's statement defending the attack that nobody deserves to be in Prison, leaves very little to the imagination.

3. Finally, this is not the 1st time ESN are attacking Policemen and burning down Police stations after releasing criminals. In fact, they have been apprehended recently and they confessed on live TV of such attacks. This latest attack even followed the exact same format (kill officers, burn station, loot armoury, release criminals) as the previous ESN attacks.

What then makes you surprised that they're the prime, No. 1 suspects, given these 3 concrete points?

We don't need any probe. Nnamani KANU already gave himself and IPOB out with his reaction to what happened. His minions are also Celebrating the attack on the facility and threatened to unleash more attacks. So we do not need any independent investigation.

Give a dog Abad name to hang it. We saw it during end sars protest through introduction of thugs. Government should learn to be honest.

peacekante:
We don't need any probe. Nnamani KANU already gave himself and IPOB out with his reaction to what happened. His minions are also Celebrating the attack on the facility and threatened to unleash more attacks. So we do not need any independent investigation.

Celebrating an attack doesn't translate to perpetuating the attack. There were people that celebrated the death of Umaru Yar'adua and Patrick Yokowa, yet they weren't really responsible for their deaths. While it is true that Kanu and some of his followers made irrational statements following the incidents, it still doesnt translate to them perpetuating it, more so IPOB denied being responsible. Even if they take responsibility, it still doesn't mean they were truly behind it. Only investigation will unravel the true event and expose perpetrators. At best, they are suspects but investigation should be carried out.

I suspect politically scripted event but that's my suspicion. It can't be said to be factual until investigation is done.

Chigboboss:
I am sure investigations are underway.

However

1.The way IPOB's celebrated the attack onthe Imo Police;

2. Coupled with Kanu's statement defending the attack that nobody deserves to be in Prison, leaves very little to the imagination.

3. Finally, this is not the 1st time ESN are attacking Policemen and buring down Police stations after releasing criminals. In fact, they have been apprehended and they confessed on live TV of such attacks. What then makes you surprised that they're the prime, No.1 suspects given these 3 concrete points?

While I agree that IPOB/ESN should be considered as suspect, it doesn't translate to them being responsible. Investigation is required to either affirm their involvement or innocence.

Also, the issue of unknown gunmen attacks on police formations and security agents need to be investigated. Talk is cheap, blame game is very cheap, but facts are sacred.

Good write up from you Tonye. The fact remains the attack was coordinated and carried out by the FG for reason best known to them.

Have you asked yourself who ordered the gate of Benin prison opened during the Endsars? Has anyone being charge for it?

Same thing just happened in Imo State. Where is our DSS? Army Intelligent Unit and the Prison service officer for 3 hours? A whole Police Command was attacked and no single causality from the both side? Tell me another story.

Foolish Igbos are still celebrating and their leader speaking from both sides of his wide mouth while his minions are hailing and blessing the UGM.

I strongly ENDORSE this. With this demons u can never be sure.

TonyeBarcanista:

While I agree that IPOB/ESN should be considered as suspect, it doesn't translate to them being responsible. Investigation is required to either affirm their involvement or innocence.

Also, the issue of unknown gunmen attacks on police formations and security agents need to be investigated. Talk of cheap, blame game is very cheap, but facts are sacred.

Tonye watch this video VERY carefully:

*****
Biggy in ESN Camp


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvG8a6s1RXA&t=95s

"Biggy" is among the ESN terrorists arrested by security agents a few days ago and paraded to the press when they made their confessions.

Full confession


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-gADl9GQU&t=3s

Then HONESTLY tell me that the "unknown gunmen" are not Nnamdi Kanu's IPOB/ESN.

This is why the NPF, FG, and reasonable, unbiased Nigerians have zero doubt IPOB/ESN are behind all the recent attacks in the South East including the last one in Imo that followed their usual format.

In an eye-opening trending video which has gone viral, dreaded ESN leader "Biggy" who confessed to be the 2nd-in-command of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a subgroup of IPOB responsible for a wave of killings of security agents across Igbo land; is seen armed with his bodyguard and other ESN members at their camp smoking a substance suspected to be Indian Hemp and chanting excitedly.

Later in the video, he also narrates how he was injured and arrested at the Hospital where he went for treatment, and how they attacked Nigerian Police and Army Officers.

Those guys really means business

Chigboboss:


Tonye watch this video VERY carefully:

*****
Biggy in ESN Camp


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvG8a6s1RXA&t=95s

"Biggy" is among the ESN terrorists arrested by security agents a few days ago and paraded to the press when they made their confessions.

Full confession


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-gADl9GQU&t=3s

Then HONESTLY tell me that the "unknown gunmen" are not Nnamdi Kanu's IPOB/ESN.

This is why the NPF, FG, and reasonable, unbiased Nigerians have zero doubt IPOB/ESN are behind all the recent attacks in the South East including the last one in Imo that followed their usual format.

Again, I watched it... But only investigation can unravel true facts

Chigboboss:
I am sure investigations are underway. However...

1. The way IPOB's celebrated the attack onthe Imo Police;

Many people, including me, celebrated the death of General Abacha on the streets of Nigeria, way back in the 90's. That does not mean we were the ones that killed Abacha

2. Coupled with Kanu's statement defending the attack that nobody deserves to be in Prison, leaves very little to the imagination.

Nnamdi Kanu did not defend the attack, nor the jail break. What Nnamdi Kanu said is that if government can rehabilitate and release armed Boko haram back into soceity, then nobody deserves to be in jail. Many people have commented the same, or something similar in the past. But because Kanu said it after they Imo attack, some people want to use it to rope Kanu into the attack

3. Finally, this is not the 1st time ESN are attacking Policemen and buring down Police stations after releasing criminals. In fact, they have been apprehended and they confessed on live TV of such attacks. This latest attack evenfollowed the exact same format (kill officers, burn station, loot armoury, release criminals.

What then makes you surprised that they're the prime, No.1 suspects given these 3 concrete points?

Some people confessed to being ESN and attacking Police. IPOB has denied it and said ESN are in the bushes. Who do you believe? Only the courts can decide

TonyeBarcanista:

Again, I watched it... But only investigation can unravel true facts

Good. Now pending the outcome...

And based on the video confession you just watched & the accounts of captured ESN members above of their previous attacks on the Police in the South East...

Who would you say are the prime suspects of this latest attack on police in the South East?

gidgiddy:


Some people confessed to being ESN and attacking Police. IPOB has denied it and said ESN are in the bushes. Who do you believe? Only the courts can decide

So since when did IPOB's word become credible?

The same IPOB that promised to deliver Buhari's head on a plate?

Or the same IPOB terrorists that lie daily like no man's business?

Was the same ESN confessing not recorded in the same bushes with other ESN members? Biko go and rest. Videos don't lie.

Chigboboss:
I am sure investigations are underway. However...

1. The way IPOB's celebrated the attack onthe Imo Police;

2. Coupled with Kanu's statement defending the attack that nobody deserves to be in Prison, leaves very little to the imagination.

3. Finally, this is not the 1st time ESN are attacking Policemen and burning down Police stations after releasing criminals. In fact, they have been apprehended recently and they confessed on live TV of such attacks. This latest attack even followed the exact same format (kill officers, burn station, loot armoury, release criminals) as the previous ESN attacks.

What then makes you surprised that they're the prime, No. 1 suspects, given these 3 concrete points?

Neither IPOB nor ESN had ever attacked any police station.

Stop spreading false news.

peacekante:
We don't need any probe. Nnamani KANU already gave himself and IPOB out with his reaction to what happened. His minions are also Celebrating the attack on the facility and threatened to unleash more attacks. So we do not need any independent investigation.

Typical black man mentality. No wonder nothing works in a country ruled by black people.

Black man is so lazy that anything related to putting a little effort is attacked with great force.

Chigboboss:


Tonye watch this video VERY carefully:

*****
Biggy in ESN Camp


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvG8a6s1RXA&t=95s

"Biggy" is among the ESN terrorists arrested by security agents a few days ago and paraded to the press when they made their confessions.

Full confession


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-gADl9GQU&t=3s

Then HONESTLY tell me that the "unknown gunmen" are not Nnamdi Kanu's IPOB/ESN.

This is why the NPF, FG, and reasonable, unbiased Nigerians have zero doubt IPOB/ESN are behind all the recent attacks in the South East including the last one in Imo that followed their usual format.

What is the proof that Biggy is IPOB or ESN?

Now if Biggy is the unknown gun men, where did the recent unknown gun men came from since Biggy is still in police custody of did they release him for this job?

Chigboboss:


So since when did IPOB's word become credible?

The same IPOB that promised to deliver Buhari's head on a plate?

Or the same IPOB terrorists that lie daily like no man's business?

Was the same ESN confessing not recorded in the same bushes with other ESN members? Biko go and rest. Videos don't lie.

You didn't hear IPOB say they are not responsible? As a typical Nigerian, once you suspect it must be true.

soulpeppersoup:


You didn't hear IPOB say they are not responsible? As a typical Nigerian, once you suspect it must be true.

They're just cowards and baby propagandists.

soulpeppersoup:


What is the proof that Biggy is IPOB or ESN?

Now if Biggy is the unknown gun men, where did the recent unknown gun men came from since Biggy is still in police custody of did they release him for this job?

Is Biggy the only ESN or didn't you see other ESN members in the video they were beating chest before he was captured?

Lol you can't fool anyone.

madridguy:
Good write up from you Tonye. The fact remains the attack was coordinated and carried out by the FG for reason best known to them.

Have you asked yourself who ordered the gate of Benin prison opened during the Endsars? Has anyone being charge for it?

Same thing just happened in Imo State. Where is our DSS? Army Intelligent Unit and the Prison service officer for 3 hours? A whole Police Command was attacked and no single causality from the both side? Tell me another story.

This is smart thinking.

madridguy:
Good write up from you Tonye. The fact remains the attack was coordinated and carried out by the FG for reason best known to them.

Have you asked yourself who ordered the gate of Benin prison opened during the Endsars? Has anyone being charge for it?

Same thing just happened in Imo State. Where is our DSS? Army Intelligent Unit and the Prison service officer for 3 hours? A whole Police Command was attacked and no single causality from the both side? Tell me another story.

you are always rational when issues start but eventually succumb to pressure from tribal jingoist after backdoor discussion with you.....every sane man will know that this was an inside job... the same thing happened during endsars when soldiers were preventing ambulance from going to the tollgate to save lives...the thing is we will all suffer for it eventually whether we support it or not provided the voice of evil over run us all

Chigboboss:
I am sure investigations are underway. However...

1. The way IPOB's celebrated the attack onthe Imo Police;

2. Coupled with Kanu's statement defending the attack that nobody deserves to be in Prison, leaves very little to the imagination.

3. Finally, this is not the 1st time ESN are attacking Policemen and burning down Police stations after releasing criminals. In fact, they have been apprehended recently and they confessed on live TV of such attacks. This latest attack even followed the exact same format (kill officers, burn station, loot armoury, release criminals) as the previous ESN attacks.

What then makes you surprised that they're the prime, No. 1 suspects, given these 3 concrete points?

I celebrated Sani Abachas death
therefore i killed sani abacha

which fallacy is this again?

theres nothing concrete about your points

TonyeBarcanista:

While I agree that IPOB/ESN should be considered as suspect, it doesn't translate to them being responsible. Investigation is required to either affirm their involvement or innocence.

Also, the issue of unknown gunmen attacks on police formations and security agents need to be investigated. Talk is cheap, blame game is very cheap, but facts are sacred.

Do you conduct investigation when herdsmen attack? All you people do is take the story of the survivor when they tell you who attack them.. The police officers have come out to say Ipob and Esn attack them. Do you know better than them? Seem pdp has a hand in all this because the way una dey sympathize with the criminal baffles one..

Chigboboss:


So since when did IPOB's word become credible?

The same IPOB that promised to deliver Buhari's head on a plate?

Or the same IPOB terrorists that lie daily like no man's business?

Was the same ESN confessing not recorded in the same bushes with other ESN members? Biko go and rest. Videos don't lie.

Is it the Nigerian Police that are credible? There is an attack on Police Hq Owerri, but the IG of Police already knows who did it in less than 24 hours, and with no investigation.

TonyeBarcanista:
On Monday, the 5th of April 2021, there was a reported coordinated attack on the the headquarters of Imo state police command, located in Owerri, as well as a correctional facility (prison), also in Owerri, the capital city of Imo state.

The attack, which reportedly lasted from the hours of 1am to 3am, saw the setting ablaze of parts of the two facilities and vehicles located within their respective premises. According to the report, over 1800 prison inmates and another yet to be stated number of suspects from the cells of the prison and police command respectively were set free by the hoodlums.

Without any form of thorough investigation, the media (and later the police authority) accused a proscribed Biafran separatist group, Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, through its militia Eastern Security Network, ESN, as being responsible for the attacks.

Specifically, the police through its spokesman, CP Frank Mba, stated that the ESN hoodlums deployed General Purpose Machine Guns, Sub-Machine Guns, AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices etc at both facilities. Amazingly, Mr Mba stated that no fatality (death) was recorded despite the hoodlums employing these aforementioned weapons.

But, IPOB, through their spokesman, Emma Powerful, responded almost immediately by distancing the the attacks and accusing the police of calumnious campaign against the group.

Although, the police authority expects the entire country to believe their report, it is in my own humble opinion that the report of the police authority did not add up, and there is need for an independent investigation into the incidents.

It is a known fact that States' Police Headquarters are usually fortified to the teeth at all times, and contain several weapons and ammunitions within their armouries as well as trained personnels manning strategic areas within and outside the facilities. While it may be relatively easier to attack or even overrun a police division that is headed by a Divisional Police Officer, it is usually not so in the case of Area Commands that are headed by Area Commanders, not to talk of States Commands that are headed by the states' Police Commissioners. Even at the peak of their terrorism, it was never reported that Boko Haram insurgents overran any of the State Police Commands in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe or Bauchi states.

As such, I find it strange when the police authority said that hoodlums not only overran the Imo state police command headquarters, took over the criminal investigation department (SCID) and freed suspects locked in the cells, but also operated for close to 3 hours. Like seriously?

I also consider as strange when the police authority claimed that its officers and men "put strong resistance" to repel the hoodlums, yet there was no single fatality from either sides despite the use of the fortification of the command and alleged deployment of the aforementioned weapons by the hoodlums? Are they saying that the hoodlums that attacked the police command and correctional center with General Purpose Machine Guns, Sub-Machine Guns, AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices etc, burnt parts of the command and destroyed cars, and also freed suspects from the cells, have fear of God and sanctity of life that they decided not to inflict any serious injury nor death to any police officer or prison warden on duty?

Furthermore we all saw how the military stepped in to repel the attack on Ikoyi Correctional Facility (in Lagos state) in October 2020 during the EndSARS riot, why was that of Owerri different? Why was there no deployment of troop from the military division (that shares proximity to the police command headquarters and the prison) to stop the attack and overpower the hoodlums for the almost 3 hours?

While I can't authoritatively speak of the truthfulness or otherwise of the report of the police authority, I believe that the federal government should appoint an independent team to investigate the true event that transpired in Owerri and other attacks on security formations across the southeast. This will not only reveal the true event but would also help in bringing those found responsible to justice.

Conclusively, it is easy for the media, government and police authority to attribute any criminality in the east to IPOB and ESN especially with the irrational statements that usually come from Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB/ESN leader, and some of his supporters, but things will only make meaning to the citizens of the country and residents of the southeast when the authorities move beyond rhetorical blame game to investigating and unraveling the real criminals behind terrorist acts.

May God bless us all and bless Nigeria
Tonye Barcanista writes from Abuja

Very well stated. Kudos

arantess:

I celebrated Sani Abachas death
therefore i killed sani abacha

which fallacy is this again?

theres nothing concrete about your points

The is everything concrete about the evidence.

Videos don't lie my friend


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-gADl9GQU&t=3s

gidgiddy:


Is it the Nigerian Police that are credible? There is an attack on Police Hq Owerri, but the IG of Police already knows who did it in less than 24 hours, and with no investigation.

Of course, based on concrete video evidence of their similar past atrocities against SE police.

Chigboboss:


The is everything concrete about the evidence.

Videos don't lie my friend


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo-gADl9GQU&t=3s

So because he said he's ESN, that automatically makes him ESN? Did he also show you the bullet wound (or you're okay with just the bandage) for which he was hospitalized and caught?

Does it occur to you that Government can arrange this?

TonyeBarcanista:

Celebrating an attack doesn't translate to perpetuating the attack. There were people that celebrated the death of Umaru Yar'adua and Patrick Yokowa, yet they weren't really responsible for their deaths. While it is true that Kanu and some of his followers made irrational statements following the incidents, it still doesnt translate to them perpetuating it, more so IPOB denied being responsible. Even if they take responsibility, it still doesn't mean they were truly behind it. Only investigation will unravel the true event and expose perpetrators. At best, they are suspects butw investigation should be carried out.

I suspect politically scripted event but that's my suspicion. It can't be said to be factual until investigation is done.

There are more than 200 policemen stationed around that axis , an air force battalion 30 minutes away, an army base less than 45 minutes away, a naval base at owerrinta and another military base at osisioma a little over an hour away. yet this faceless individuals operated for over 3 hours without any challenge?
And it just happened to have occured in a state with the most connection to those in power?
hope that egoistic man in Europe knows what he is doing?