The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said its members have no hands in the killing of an Anglican priest in Nkwere Local Government Area of Imo State.
IPOB claimed that hoodlums created by security operatives were responsible for such crime in the Southeast and not its members.
Rev Emeka Merenu of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was killed by unknown gunmen during the sit-at-home order on Monday.
The Nkwerre born clergy was killed over allege unfounded allegation that he brought in soldiers to secure the Church and School under his supervision.
His car was burnt by the assailants after killing him.
Following the incident, members of IPOB’s Eastern Security Network, ESN, were linked to the killing.
However, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful has denied such claims.
Powerful made the explanation in a statement he issued on Thursday.
According to Powerful: “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by liberator and prophet of our time, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to distance ourselves from the alleged killing of an Anglican priest in Nkwere LGA of Imo State on Tuesday.
“IPOB has nothing to do with such barbarity. Anyone pointing accusing fingers at IPOB for such a dastardly act is only doing so to demonise IPOB. We don’t Kill let alone a priest is not part of our mandate.
“It will be unfair for people to finger IPOB for crimes committed by government hoodlums, most times sponsored by security agencies and enemies to portray us in the bad light.
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“It is not in our DNA to kill an ordained priest who was not in any way working against Biafran restoration.”
IPOB had ordered a sit-at-home over those killed during an attempt by security agents to arrest Kanu in Afaraukwu in 2017.
The group also ordered the sit-at-home over Kanu’s rearrest.
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