AREWA Consultative Forum ( ACF ) has told those agitating for the Biafra Republic out of Nigeria to rescind their decision because it is an impossible task since the Republic was ill-fated about 45 years, and could not be exhumed any longer.
This was contained in a statement signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim after the meeting of the national executive Council of the Forum in Kaduna.
ACF said the continuous spate of protests by the members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in the South-East and South-South states was too serious and retrogressive in nature to be waved aside without calling for its end.
The statement also expressed concern over the alarming rate of kidnapping of innocent persons for ransom by some gunmen in various parts of the country.
It urged security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators of this unholy crime and bring them to justice.
The statement read: “The issue of Biafra was settled in 1970 after the civil war. It is, therefore, sad and unfortunate that 45 years after, when Nigerians are now united in a democratic system of governance, some elements are busy instigating the innocent youths in the South eastern states to an irresponsible protest, which in most cases have degenerated into violence with serious consequences on the lives and property of innocent and law abiding Nigerians.
“ACF once more calls upon the Igbo youths and indeed other Nigerians to channel their energy, resources, talent and time into useful ventures that will promote unity and development rather then allow themselves to be used for such futile agitation.
“ACF also commends the efforts of some governors, traditional rulers and elder statesmen both from the North and South for their intervention to douse the tension created by this unwarranted protest that could have some ripple effects in other parts of the country.
