The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has denied insinuations that its members have hands in the killing of Rev Emeka Merenu, an Anglican priest in Nkwere Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the group, hoodlums created by Nigerian security operatives were responsible for such crime in the Southeast and not its members.
Gunmen had on Monday shot and killed Rev Merenu over allegations that he brought in soldiers to secure the Church and School under his supervision.
His car was also burnt by the assailants just as members of IPOB’s Eastern Security Network, ESN, were linked to the killing.
But Emma Powerful, the media and publicity secretary of IPOB has denied that Merenu was killed by IPOB members.
He said “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by liberator and prophet of our time, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to distance ourselves from the alleged killing of an Anglican priest in Nkwere LGA of Imo State on Tuesday.
“IPOB has nothing to do with such barbarity. Anyone pointing accusing fingers at IPOB for such a dastardly act is only doing so to demonise IPOB. We don’t Kill let alone a priest is not part of our mandate.
“It will be unfair for people to finger IPOB for crimes committed by government hoodlums, most times sponsored by security agencies and enemies to portray us in the bad light.
“It is not in our DNA to kill an ordained priest who was not in any way working against Biafran restoration.”
IPOB had ordered a sit-at-home over those killed during an attempt by security agents to arrest Kanu in Afaraukwu in 2017.
The group also ordered the sit-at-home over Kanu’s rearrest.
