Invasion Of Enugu Radio Station— Police Boss Bares It All [READ]

Recently, a pro-Biafran group, Biafran Zionist Federation [BZF] led by Benjamim Onwuka, who in the early hours of June 6 allegedly invaded the Enugu State Broadcasting Service [ESBS] in an attempt to seize the radio and television station for a broadcast. The move was, however, foiled by a team of Policemen. At the end of a shootout that ensued, a Police Sergeant and a member of the group were killed

while the Inspector that led the team was seriously wounded. The suspects have since been flown to Force Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Adamu Mohammed who hinted that his men were on top of the situation even before they struck told Vanguard how the deadly operation was carried out and the after-effects. He also spoke on other security issues.

Excerpts:

On The Zionist Movement: We got information of their coming because we have infiltrated them before they could make a live broadcast.   After gaining access to ESBS, they went straight to the studio and met journalists on duty and wanted to force them to make live broadcast so that the general public could hear what they are saying.

They summarized what they wanted to tell the people in a paper. When they stormed the ESBS, they were well armed with machetes and guns which they used in killing a policeman and with 25 litres of petrol and beer bottles which they wanted to use as petrol bombs.

On The Breach of peace: We have transferred them to Force CID. Abuja. We are nosing around, anybody associated with the group, no matter his position in society; we will not hesitate to pick him up and make sure that justice is done and prevent them from causing breach of peace in the country.

You know the membership cuts across the country. When they invaded Government House, Enugu, we arrested some of their members.   During the failed attempt to make a live broadcast, we also arrested some, so it is a continuous exercise. We will be monitoring their activities, whenever we get reports that they are going to meet, we will get there and arrest them.

On Between the Zionists and MASSOB: I don’t have any problem with any other group except this Biafran Zionists. I have never had any confrontation with any other group.

On Security situation in Enugu: Enugu State is very lucky, the crime rate is low. However, from time to time, these boys waylay people but we always record low cost in loss of lives from those that snatch cars from people. But in 99% cases, we do recover the vehicles.