Breaking: Gov. Ikpeazu agrees with Army to withdraw troops from Abia state after invasion

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state Thursday has announced an agreement with the Nigerian Army to withdraw troops from Umuahia, the state’s capital and the commercial city of Aba from Friday, Sept. 15.

Gov Okezie Ikpeazu

The announcement was made at a Press Conference in the state capital following the imposition of a dusk to dawn curfew in the state as a result of the Sunday’s Sept. 9 clash between the civilians, particularly members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the country home of the IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu, as well as further skirmishes Tuesday around the border communities between Abia and Rivers State.

According to the statement via the Twitter handle of Sam Hart, Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor On Public Communications, “the military men that will be remaining will be those who have been there hitherto to maintain the peace,” as they will still proceed with their Operation Python Dance II but it will not entail aggressive engagements with civilian and the peace loving people in the state.

He also stated that contingents of Mobile Policemen will be drafted all round the State to maintain the peace and ensure that hoodlums do not disturb the peace.

The Governor, according to Hart will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss lasting solutions to the IPOB threat & activities in Abia State, as patriotic Abians and others people within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear.