Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, will be absent as his family members and kinsmen mark the seventh anniversary of the death of his parents, HRH Late Israel Okwu Kanu and Ugwueze Nmeme Sally O. Kanu, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Kanu’s father was the traditional ruler of the community until his death.
Our correspondent in Umuahia reports that activities are in top gear for the event, which comes up on February 14.
The family is marking the anniversary for the first time since the IPOB leader was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment following terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government.
Kanu is serving the prison term in Sokoto Prison.
DAILY POST recalls that Kanu’s parents died shortly after troops of the Nigerian Army, under Operation Python Dance, invaded the family compound to arrest Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu escaped arrest but the family alleged that about 28 persons, including IPOB members, were killed during the operation.
Speaking on behalf of the family in Umuahia, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, said the decision to hold the anniversary service is to draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the persecution of the IPOB leader and the price he has paid in fighting for self determination.
“Our parents died shortly after the Operation Python Dance invasion of our family compound. They couldn’t survive the trauma. Over 28 people were killed in our father’s compound that day.
“Annually, on February 14th, we observe a ritual in remembrance, ensuring that the international community, along with those of us who were left behind, never forgets the massacre of defenceless individuals at the home of Eze Sir Isreal Okwubunka Kanu (Egwu 11 of Afaraukwu Ibeku).
“They died as a direct result of operation Python Dance carried out by Nigerian government.”
Nnamdi Kanu’s family marks anniversary of parents’ death after Operation Python Dance invasion
