Security Operatives Quell Clash In Onitsha

The quick intervention of a combined team of personnel from the Nigerian security forces helped to quell a clash between youths in some parts of Onitsha in Anambra State last Friday.

The clash was between members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Association of Igbo Youths (AIYO).

The Police Area Commander of Onitsha, Mr Benjamin Wordu, confirmed the incident to newsmen through telephone.

He said he was forced to invite personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Navy to assist the police in quelling the crisis which lasted for many hours.

Wordu however said he was not aware of any casualty arising from the incident, or any arrest from both sides.

The clash had paralysed commercial and social activities in the town for most hours of the day, forcing traders to close their shops for safety.

When contacted,  MASSOB’s Regional Director for Special Duties, Mr Anyanwu Chimaobi, blamed AIYO members for the incident.

“It was members of Okpoko Vigilante Services who teamed up with AIYO members to attack the MASSOB office at Okpoko area of Onitsha,’’ he said.

Chimaobi further alleged that the attackers set MASSOB’s office and some motorcycles ablaze, looted others and abducted some MASSOB members.

Reacting, Mr Emeka Uga, State Chairman of AIYO, said that the clash started when some MASSOB members mounted a roadblock and were allegedly extorting money from members of the public.

“AIYO members tried to stop them, but they instead went on rampage and invaded some offices of AIYO at Onitsha North and Onitsha South and unleashed mayhem on the members,’’ Uga alleged.