Abia's Governor Ikpeazu assures Afaraukwu community that Nnamdi Kanu and his dad will be back this year

ABIA State governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured traditional rulers and indigenes of Afaraukwu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area that Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) leader Nnamdi Kanu and his father will return before the end of the year.

In September last year, Mr Kanu, his father Eze Israel Kanu, the local traditional ruler and the whole of his family fled after their compound was invaded by Nigerian Army soldiers. Under its Operation Python Dance, the Nigerian Army attacked Afaraukwu, claiming it was just an exercise but fearful that the troops might execute them, the Kanu family fled and have not been seen or heard of since.

There has since been a lot of speculation about Mr Kanu and his family, with some commentators saying he is being held by the Nigerian Army, although the authorities have denied this. More probable, it is also alleged that Mr Kanu has fled into exile with reported sightings of him in Ghana and the UK

Yesterday, Governor Ikpeazu received the people of Afaraukwu-Ibeku at Government House in Umuahia, to tell them that plans are in full swing to bring the Kanus back. He added that the governors of the five southeastern states are working to ensure that Mr Kanu’s father returns home soon and efforts were on to ensure that the traditional ruler does not spend the New Year outside his community.

Governor Ikpeazu said: “Eze Ibeawuchi can tell some of the moves the government made to prevent the invasion of the community. I was outside the country when the crises started and returned immediately to take charge to prevent an escalation.

"We went as far convening an emergency meeting of traditional rulers to help persuade the military not to engage the unarmed youth and imposed a curfew to de-escalate the situation and moved in to ensure that the  injured were treated. The Southeast Governors’ Forum is doing its best to ensure that Eze Kanu is re-united with his community. Your traditional rulers will go with me to meet my colleagues and we will work to ensure that Eze Kanu does not spend the New Year outside his home.”

Chief JC Ezebuiro, the president of Afaraukwu Development Union, said: “You have been uncompromising on security, education and infrastructure. You have set a standard and under your watch Abia has returned back to her lost glory in agriculture and the state has also become indomitable in sports.”