See How Anambra Women Transformed The Protest Scene, Stripped Themselves NAKED And Invaded The Street [Video]
In a striking resemblance to the historic Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, female members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have staged a dramatic protest in Abiriba, Abia State. The demonstration, held on Friday, saw women partially undressed, with some exposing their chests and others wearing only undergarments and wrappers, as they marched to the residence of the Abiriba Community chief.
The protest was sparked by allegations of a violent military raid on their national conference meeting. An 18- minute video, posted on YouTube, captured the women’s grievances as they recounted their ordeal. According to their account, the Nigerian Army arrived at the meeting venue in 15 Hilux vans, aggressively confronting the attendees. They claimed that the soldiers tore their clothes, confiscated a vehicle and personal belongings, and discharged gunfire indiscriminately.
In the video, a spokesperson for the women explained that they had gathered from various parts of the South East for the conference, which was being held in a private compound rather than on the street. The chief of Abiriba addressed the women, promising to assist in recovering their confiscated items and urging them to pursue their cause with wisdom rather than violence. He emphasized that ” everybody has a right to associate with any organization’ and advocated for a diplomatic approach to their struggle.
The leadership of IPOB swiftly condemned the alleged attack. Emma Powerful, IPOB’ s publicity secretary, accused the Nigerian Army stationed at Ohafia of collaborating with the police in the assault. He detailed that some women were stripped naked. and taken to the Ohafia barracks, with their belongings, including food and clothing, seized by the soldiers. Powerful criticized the military’s conduct as unprofessional and an affront to human dignity, calling for international condemnation of what he described as a brutal and undemocratic action.
In his statement, Powerful implored global leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to denounce the treatment of Biafran women by the Nigerian military. He also urged women’s rights organizations. worldwide to address the alleged abuse.
Attempts to get a response from the Nigerian Army were met with limited success. Colonel Sagir Musa, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, stated he was unaware of the incident. Army spokesperson Sani Usman was unreachable for comment, as he did not respond to phone calls or text
messages. This protest in Abiriba not only recalls the historic Aba Women’s Riot but also underscores ongoing tensions between the IPOB and Nigerian authorities. The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the role of the military in civil matters and the rights of protesters in Nigeria.
