By Okey Maduforo Awka.
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Of Biafra MASSOB has lamented the killing and harassment of it’s members by the NIgerian Authorities contending that their members are neither criminals nor viollent in their operations.
The body also appealed to foreign countries to grant it’s members asylum in their respective states instead of deporting them to Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information Comerade Edeson Samurai it insisted that in the past twenty six years of MASSOB existence it has never recorded issues of lawlessness or violence wondering why the Nigerian authorities should descend on its members.
“The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) under Comrade Uchenna Madu is deeply concerned about the ongoing persecutions, killings, detentions, and victimization of our members in Nigeria”
“MASSOB as a non violence self determination pro Biafra agitation movement has existed for more than 26 years have never engaged in criminal activities or arms struggle”
“MASSOB, a non-violent self-determination advocacy group with a history of peaceful protests and demonstrations condemns the brutal actions of the Nigerian authorities against our members”
“We call on the international community, including the United Nations and other human rights organizations, to intervene and put a stop to the harassment and arrests of MASSOB members in Nigeria”
“We also appeal for global intervention on the harassment and arrest of members returning back to Nigeria”
Samurai noted that their members have the right and freedom of lawful expression and association adding that such rights should not be denied of them .
“The rights of our members to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are being violated, and we urge the global community to take action to protect these fundamental human rights”
“MASSOB also appeals to foreign countries that have asylum-seeking MASSOB members to ensure their safety and not deport them back to Nigeria, where their lives may be at risk. We urge these countries to consider the grave dangers faced by our members in Nigeria and provide them with the protection they need”
“It is time for the world to stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of Biafra and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its actions. MASSOB remains committed to the peaceful pursuit of Biafran self-determination and calls for an end to the persecution of our members” he said.
