Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has directed security operatives to arrest anyone connected with Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.
Recalls that suspected members of the proscribed group in the attacks on Wednesday left two police officers killed as they razed the Police Area Command, Obigbo, Afam Divisional Police Office and a court, all in Oyigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.
Speaking on Friday night in a statewide broadcast, Governor Wike placed a N50 million bounty for the arrest of one Stanley Mgbere who allegedly lead IPOB members to carry out the fatal attacks in Oyigbo.
Wike said the group has continued to expand membership drive, holding meetings regularly, and expanding its logistical base.
He said: “Security agencies are directed to stop any form of procession or agitation by IPOB in Rivers or any part thereof and arrest and prosecute any person or group that identifies with IPOB in the State. Government will issue executive order to strengthen effective enforcement of these measures.
“Today (Friday), IPOB continued with its devilish and destructive activities at Rumukwurushi, Iriebe and Oyigbo in open defiance of the State Government’s curfew on human movements.
“Security intelligence and surveillance reveal that IPOB has continued to expand membership drive, holding meetings regularly, and expanding its logistical base, including maintenance of illegal detention cells in Emenike and other parts of Diobu, Port Harcourt.
“Oyigbo town has practically become the group’s main operational base in Rivers, from which they’ve become notorious for launching premeditated violence and terror on the State, businesses and innocent citizens.
“As a people, we have become very much unsettled by the terrorist acts and endured the continuing irritations, violence, destruction and provocations of IPOB in and against the people of Rivers State.”
