Nigeria's Buhari speaks out on Biafra.

Following tensions gripping the country between Biafra agitators and security forces, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that his adminstration will not bow down to demands of separatism.

In a stark warning, Buhari said that the country will remain united despite incessant demands from some parts of Nigeria that want independence. "Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood. Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance," Buhari said.
Buhari also did not mince words about the videos that have been circulating on different social media platforms. "I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far."
In the meantime, the whereabouts of Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu remain unknown amid renewed protests and a military operation in southeast Nigeria. State governors have urged calm.
Nigerian governors on Friday called for calm after renewed protests by pro-Biafra supporters calling for independence. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group led by Nnamdi Kanu wants to break away from Nigeria and create a separate state for the predominantly Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria.
Windscreens of police vehicles have been smashed, petrol bombs thrown, bonfires lit on streets to restrict movement and warning shots fired, in the latest violence. Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau State in central Nigeria, convened a meeting of leaders from the Hausa and Igbo communities following violence at two markets. Two people were reportedly killed and calm was only restored after police fired warning shots in the air.


The violence has also claimed the lives of two police officers. More than 30 Biafra supporters have been arrested, the Daily Post, a local online daily reported. Shops belonging to ethnic Hausas have been attacked by pro-Biafra agitators in Aba and Port Harcourt, according to local media.




Culled from dw.com