There was pandemonium on Thursday when no fewer than 10 gunmen invaded a bank in Anambra State, smashing vehicles and hoisting Biafran flags.
According to the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the gunmen went to a commercial bank in the community where they shot sporadically into the air, dispersing bank customers and passersby.
A source said, “They also set fire on a Nissan Pathfinder SUV with registration number UR 640 KJA and smashed the glasses of a Honda car with registration number FST 456 AC, parked in front of the bank.”
Normal human and vehicular movements, however, continued after the gunmen left.
It is however not clear if anyone sustained gunshot injury.
The incident comes a few hours after Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of plotting to sponsor criminals to carry out attacks on banks while disguising as Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives.
Kanu in a statement earlier issued by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said members of the group are not criminals.
The statement read: “Our intelligence unit has uncovered fabricated propaganda…that ESN is planning to attack banks in Biafraland to acquire money to purchase arms.
“We, therefore, wish to debunk this falsehood and blatant lie from the pit of hell.
“IPOB and ESN are not criminals and we have no plans or agenda to touch any institution, particularly banks.”
IPOB said it had no reason to attack banks as it was not looking for money to buy arms.
“We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom.
“We don’t inflict pains on the people. We are fighting for their freedom…This poor script cannot fly.
“IPOB and ESN are very disciplined groups, and we cannot indulge in armed robbery against any individual or group.
“ESN has never left its mandate which is to defend Biafraland against terrorists and killer herdsmen.
“All banks in Biafraland must be wary…because they (security agencies) may be planning to sponsor attacks on banks and turn around, as usual, to blame it on IPOB and ESN operatives.
“They have tried to blame the attacks on security formations in Southeast on us but now, it is obvious that we are innocent of that. They have quickly changed tact in their desperation to blackmail us and find a cheap excuse to declare another special military operation in the zone.
“Our people should be smart and not buy into their tricks.
“We are waiting for any group of armed robbers who would attempt to attack any bank in Biafraland in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of IPOB and ESN. Such band of criminals and their sponsors will regret their action.
“We assure every resident and institution, including banks in Biafraland, of their safety. We will help resist criminals…arranging to attack banks in the name of ESN and IPOB.”
