Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reflected on the traumatic experience of the Nigerian Army’s attack on his home in Afaraukwu, Abia State, which led to the deaths of his parents, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and Lolo Ugoeze Sally Nmeme Okwu Kanu, five years ago.
In September 2017, soldiers under Operation Python Dance invaded Kanu’s residence, but he escaped and fled to Europe.
Remembering his parents, Kanu lamented that those responsible for their deaths remain unpunished.
Kanu shared his sentiments during a routine meeting with his legal team at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja. His lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, issued a statement on Kanu’s behalf:
“Today marks the fifth anniversary of my parents’ passing.
They suffered severe trauma from the attack and never recovered.
Twenty-eight other innocent lives were lost in the assault on our royal home, which was intended to kill me.
“Because I survived, the Nigerian Army labeled IPOB a terrorist group to cover up their heinous crime and deceive the public.
This deception persists to this day.
“The best tribute to my parents and those who died defending freedom is to never forget their sacrifice.
Those responsible for this massacre, including the Abuja-based perpetrators and their accomplices in Igboland, continue to spread lies about my legitimate right to advocate for Biafra, as recognized by Nigerian law.”