The leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have dismissed the 82 Division of Nigeria Army, Enugu for declaring MASSOB directives to churches in Biafra land to observe memorial services and prayers for the victims and over three million Biafrans massacred during the 1967-70 genaocide committed against the people of Biafra as irresponsible and provocative.

Recall that the body had urged Biafrans to observe a voluntary sit-at-home and go into prayers in memory of the Biafran Day celebration and to pray for the repose of over 3 million persons affected by the genocide during the civil war.

According to the leader of MASSOB Comrade Uchenna Madu, “When did national memorial prayers become an offence or irresponsible?

“Nigeria army should cover their faces in shame because they have not declared the terrorist activities of Islamic bandits as provocative or illegitimate”

MASSOB advised churches in Biafra land to disregard the statements of Nigeria Army, “Don’t allow yourself to be defeated by the devil. Let Nigeria army channel their antagonism to Islamic terrorist bandits ravaging northern and western Nigeria.

“Is it because MASSOB is a non violence movement?, is it because we have never carried arms against Nigeria state?. Is it because we choose to conform our activities to the international standard of self-determination activism?

“The foundation of MASSOB is rooted in the principles of nonviolence. We have never killed or repaid the Nigerian security agencies for the extrajudicial killings of our non-violent members because we believe in non violence self determination struggle.”

MASSOB warned Nigeria Army that its provocative tendencies against MASSOB will never push the body to violence or arms struggle.

“We know that you’re jittery and uncomfortable with the reality of Biafra actualisation and restoration”

“Tomorrow is the 59th anniversary celebration of the Biafra declaration by Gen Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“Biafrans are enjoined to commemorate the exercise with a sit-at-home observance.

“On Sunday, 31st May, all churches in Biafra land will observe special prayers for Biafra and victims of the genocide committed against our people” he said.