The Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has announced the closure of all its camps in Igboland including its headquarters which is located in Okwe, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State.
The foremost Biafra group said it has noticed that its camps and headquarters were being used for criminal activities and since it was a law-abiding group, it would not condone such.
It added that it has forgiven Ralph Uwazuruike who was expelled from the group and went ahead to form another Biafra group.
Read statement below:
“That MASSOB closes all camps including headquarters because some disgruntled persons in the name of MASSOB perpetrate all forms of criminalities and social vices.
“That we refuse to allow the platform of reformed MASSOB under the leadership of Comrade Uchenna Madu to be used for breeding anti social vices that can cause breakdown of law and public disturbances.
“That MASSOB being a non violence organization that has redeemed her lost public trust/ confidence as a result of Uwazuruike’s deviation and dubious acts will never allow drug peddling and criminal acts flourish in our establishments or associated our existence with anti social vices.
“That in the spirit of Igbo cultural values, MASSOB wishes to inform Ndigbo and Biafrans in general that no descent organization with the peoples mandate flourish in atmosphere of criminalities, drug peddling, lost focus and sabotage.
“That in the spirit of Biafran brotherhood, MASSOB has considered forgiving the leader of BIM, Ralph Uwazuruike (former MASSOB leader) who ran away from Okwe on March 15, 2014 and his subsequent expulsion on 30th Nov, 2015 to return to his family house, Okwe which incidentally houses MASSOB headquarters.
“That we considered Uwazuruike’s three years exile from his father’s compound as enough punishment for his stupidity.
“That MASSOB has handed over Uwazuruike’s atrocities against the people of Biafrans into the hands of Chukwu Okike Abiama and Igbo ancestors.
“That MASSOB under the leadership of our leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu will continue to operate non violently from our new descent office (no more camps) with respect and regards to other genuine pro Biafra groups.
“That we know that many people will not be happy that MASSOB is closing Okwe headquarters. It is part of our internal reorganisation for strategic growth and positive functions.
“That MASSOB wishes to inform Imo state government, security agents and Okwe host community that starting from 5th day of March, 2017, MASSOB ceased to operate in Okwe and any group of persons or individual camped or reside or found within the family compound of Uwazuruike’s or inside the former MASSOB Freedom House, Okwe is not a MASSOB member but criminals.”