Igbo Group Protests Over Terror Suspects' Release in Abia

A group known as Igbo World Union, has expressed strong reservations over the reported release of 113 out of the 486 detained Boko Haram suspects arrested penultimate Sunday in Abia en route Port Harcourt.

President General of the group, Chief Mishak Nnanta , who spoke with us in Umuahia in the wake of the alleged  gradual release of the suspects said ” Nigeria is playing with fire if indeed  anybody among these suspects who pose grave danger to our lives and national unity has been freed in such a haste.”

News Agency of Nigeria had reported that 133 indigenes of Jigawa state among the suspects were last Friday, handed over to the state government amidst rousing welcome and  grand reception.

IWU said while “it is not opposed to the freeing  of any innocent suspect(s),” caution, however, should be exercised when dealing with terror suspects as it still beats the imagination why about 486 self-acclaimed job seekers led by confirmed Boko Haram kingpins on the wanted list of security agents should be traveling on a convoy under the cover of darkness.”

According to IWU, ” more annoying is the reported celebration of suspected terrorists by a state government,” adding that the action of Jigawa state government tends to suggest that the so-called job seekers or travelers were on a state assignment.”

The group frowned at the furore that greeted the arrest and detention of the suspects especially from groups with Northern interests , arguing  that instead of synergising on how to end insurgency ravaging the region, northern governments and groups were busy campaigning and lobbying for the release of terror suspects.”

IWU said security agents should be allowed to handle all security issues in the country professionally without undue interference by individuals or group with vested interests, “if Nigeria is serious about ending terrorism.”

The group also warned the political class , religious and tribal interest groups to stop politicizing security issues as such attribute rather than bring solution, only helps to worsen the already precarious security situation in the country.