Wike terms alleged killing of Igbo a ploy of distraction by IPOB
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the allegations that he ordered the killing of Igbo in Oyingbo as a falsehood motivated by politics.
The Governor who described Oyigbo as a “launching ground ” for the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), said the allegation was a ploy to distract people away from it’s activities in the Oyigbo Council Area of the state.
He made this known on live television programme on Monday, where he said the imposition if a curfew on Oyigbo was to restore calm after security officials were killed and police stations and courts were destroyed.
“I know that this is not the first time IPOB has used Oyigbo as launching ground. Security agencies are aware of this, but IPOB added a new dimension to their activities this time.
“They killed six Army Officers and burnt one, killed four police officers and destroyed all the police stations and court buildings. I imposed curfew to restore calm and I proscribed IPOB activities anywhere in the state.” he said.
The Governor said the state government still maintains its stance on IPOB,, which he said been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government.
Wike said that families of the deceased security personnel killed during the violence would be compensated with N20 million.
Lamenting that the damage have left huge financial burden on the state, Wike said that replacement of all destroyed properties during protest by the group has commenced.
