Two feared dead as police, IPOB clash in Nnewi

Members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and officers of the
Nigeria Police Force, Nnewi Division, Friday, clashed at the popular
Nkwo Nnewi Market.

At least, one police officer and one member of the pro Biafran group
were killed in the clash.

Members of the pro Biafra group were at Nnewi to drive home their
stance of boycott of the 2019 election in the south east, except a
date was fixed for a referendum to determine freedom for the people of
the zone.

The protesters numbering over 2,000 stormed the market, with each
member waving the Biafran flag, and chanting 'no referendum, no
election'.

The group moved round, telling Igbo people in the market not to
participate in the 2019 general election unless the FG heed their
demand and conduct referendum.

Trouble, however, started when police operatives arrived the scene in
three hilux vans and tried to stop IPOB activities.

Members of the group were said to have first pounced on the police
officers, destroying their vans and leaving two officers in the pool
of their blood.

It was gathered that the Nkwo Nnewi market closed abruptly at about
2:30pm when the incident started, as traders were seen scampering for
safety.

As of the time of filling this report, DAILY POST could not get
confirmation from police authorities in the state.

Calls to the police public relations officer the state, SP Haruna
Mohammed were not answered nor returned.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of IPOB, Emma Powerful told our correspondent
through a press release that the march was staged by its members to
reiterate their commitment to boycotting the general election.