Soldiers have reportedly blocked the entrance of the family residence of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ahead of his parents’ burial.

Amnesty International (AI) quoted residents as saying the soldiers are also harassing residents in the area ahead of the funeral scheduled for Friday.

TheCable could not immediately verify claims about the blockade, but gathered that there is indeed a heavy security presence in Afara Ukwu, Kanu’s community.

In a statement on Wednesday, AI said it gathered from some persons that “they saw soldiers harassing people at Bank road while another man said he was prevented from going to his house by soldiers who blocked the road entrance to Eze Kanu’s palace.”

Osai Ojigho, Amnesty director in Nigeria, called for caution, and asked the security agencies to “deescalate the rising tension” in the Abia community.

“The Nigerian security forces must exercise restraint and prevent a repetition of the September 2017 events that left at least 20 people killed and some still missing, when the military attempted to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in his home in Afara Ukwu”, Ojigho said.

“While law enforcement officers are within their rights to carry out their lawful duties, the use of force should be proportional and strictly limited to those situations where it is absolutely necessary. Both IPOB supporters and security forces must at all times respect and protect human rights of all.

“Concerns about possible violence during the funeral must be addressed within the framework of human rights and rule of law.”
Since the burial was announced, there has been a hot exchange between the police and IPOB, which was banned and declared a terrorist organisation last year.

While the group has insisted on attending the event, Ene Okon, Abia commissioner of police, has vowed that the funeral would not take place if IPOB members attempt to attend it.

Kanu, who has been on the run since 2017, is, not contemplating attending, but said the burial will be broadcast live.

Uteghe:
Too little too late. Elzakzaky ran a commune with full complement of flags and uniformed guards. His house was razed,his followers allegedly killed and Zaky is still in custody. Kanu did same, was released and his "palace" is standing. Double standard by pro IPOB FG.

Uteghe:
Too little too late. Elzakzaky ran a commune with full complement of flags and uniformed guards. His house was razed,his followers allegedly killed and Zaky is still in custody. Kanu did same, was released and his "palace" is standing. Double standard by pro IPOB FG.

Uteghe:
Too little too late. Elzakzaky ran a commune with full complement of flags and uniformed guards. His house was razed,his followers allegedly killed and Zaky is still in custody. Kanu did same, was released and his "palace" is standing. Double standard by pro IPOB FG.

Comedian2019:
Who has the video?

Uteghe:
Too little too late. Elzakzaky ran a commune with full complement of flags and uniformed guards. His house was razed,his followers allegedly killed and Zaky is still in custody. Kanu did same, was released and his "palace" is standing. Double standard by pro IPOB FG.

chiemmanuel:
Misplaced priorities, channel your energy to the right channel

LosC:

You mean they shouldn't have allowe Boko Haram to attack Borno after PMB's visit?

gidgiddy:


Well it may interest you to know that having a commune with uniformed guards and a flag is in no way against the law. The razing of an unarmed community and the killing of its members, for no just cause, by the very armed force that are paid to keep them safe is a crime against humanity.

This only happens in backward society that is heading no where and anyone who actually supports such despicable actions is a backward barbarian

Okoroawusa:
Na only hear we dey hear for the past one week....shey video no dey work for this Afaraukwu?

Uteghe:
Too little too late. Elzakzaky ran a commune with full complement of flags and uniformed guards. His house was razed,his followers allegedly killed and Zaky is still in custody. Kanu did same, was released and his "palace" is standing. Double standard by pro IPOB FG.

austinsmat:
Pls is this funeral a state burial or our soldier don't have work again.

austinsmat:
Pls is this funeral a state burial or our soldier don't have work again.