BIAFRAN separatists ended up hijacking a demonstration organised in London today to protest the incessant violence being meted out across the country by armed Fulani cattle herders that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Nigerians.
Over recent months, Fulani cattle herders have unleashed mayhem across Nigeria, attacking farming communities who have challenged the fact that their livestock destroy their crops. Last week, things took a turn for the when herdsmen invaded Ukpabi-Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State killing 48 people.
In response, diasporans organised a protest march in London, starting in front of the Nigerian high commission and ending outside the Houses of Parliament. Designed to focus on the menace of the herdsmen, the rally was, however, hijacked by Biafran separatists who used it as a platform to call for the release of their incarcerated leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) and the Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob), used the occasion to call for the creation of an independent homeland and the recreation of the defunct republic of Biafra. Carrying their Biafran flags and chanting separatist songs, they ensured they used the event to highlight their cause.
Jagunmolu Lasisi, one of the organisers, said: "Unfortunately this event has been hijacked by Biafran campaigners who have used it to further their cause. It was intended to be a rally against the attacks of the Fulani herdsmen but it has now turned into a Biafran affair."
Although dozens of other Nigerians turned up carrying placards condemning the Fulani herdsmen attacks, their voices were drowned out by the Ipob and Massob members. It is not yet clear if another London demonstration will be organised to keep the pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to do something about the matter.
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