Fear grips Igbo, Yoruba in Kaduna over rumour of IPOB’s, soldiers’ clash in South East

• Govt, police assure residents of safety

The Kaduna State Government and Nigeria Police Force have dispelled the rumour of a possible attack against communities in the state as a result of clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in South-East.

The clarification came following the widespread rumour that Kaduna was uprising and relations of non-indigenes were panicking and placing calls to ascertain the status of their people.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, at a meeting with Igbo and Yoruba communities in Kaduna, advised residents to go about their normal businesses, as there was no such incident in the entire state.

He said: “There is no crisis in Kaduna. The state is peaceful. I advise all to open shops as usual and do their businesses.”Don’t be apprehensive, the rumour is baseless and unfounded. Our men are at alert all the time to ensure peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

Also, the state government has assured all residents of their safety. A statement issued by media spokesman to the governor, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said the state government and the security agencies had taken appropriate action to protect lives and property in the state.

His words: “The Kaduna State Government wishes to assure all residents of their safety. The state government and the security agencies have taken appropriate action to secure lives and property. Therefore, every citizen should go about their lawful duties without let or hindrance.

“The security situation is under constant review, including events that have taken place in other parts of the country. Our diverse communities will not be engulfed by negative conduct that has taken place elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has said that there is no tension in the country despite IPOB’s clash with security agencies in South-East.Idris, who spoke with State House Correspondents after meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, said that efforts were on in collaboration with the state governments and political leadership to mobilise the needed intervention that would quell the emerging crisis in the zone.

He said: “I don’t think there is tension in the country. Which country? This Nigeria? No. Nigeria does not have any tension.”Besides, he disagreed with the claims by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, that most crimes committed in the state were by members of the Police’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).He said: “He (the governor) has right to self-expression. You know he is a governor.”

Meanwhile, the Igbo and Yoruba community leaders, Chris Nnoli and Yinka Olapade, have thanked the police for assuring them of safety.The community leaders blamed social media for the unwarranted rumour and assured the police that they would take the message back to their people that Kaduna is actually peaceful.