Five Days After Military Raid, Nnamdi Kanu’s Whereabout Unknown

Days after his residence in Abia state was raided by soldiers, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has not been seen in public.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ)  in a statement Friday in Abuja declared IPOB a terrorist organisation, it also said the group poses security challenge to the country by clandestinely and actively terrorising the general public.

It listed such acts of terrorism as the formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.

Israel, Kanu’s father who is the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ibeku community and Ugoeze, his wife, have also not been seen since then.

Israel’s palace became the headquarters of IPOB after his son regained freedom in April, following his detention which lasted 18 months.

But Sagir Musa, deputy director, army public relations, 82 division, Enugu, said he could not confirm if Kanu’s parents were in the custody of the army.

The last time Kanu was seen in public was on Monday when he addressed some groups that came to his residence after Sunday clash between soldiers and some IPOB members.

He later drove off for what IPOB described as an “official assignment”. On his way, his convoy was allegedly attacked at a military checkpoint at Ubakala in Umuahia south local government area.

On Thursday when soldiers returned to Kanu’s residence, they fired shots in different directions, sparking tension in the community.

It was not clear if Kanu was inside his house during the operation which lasted 20 minutes.