Biafra: Why The Nigeria Government Organized Operation Python Dance II

By Onwe Ozioma 

      Ugochinyere Onyechere [editor]

The Nigeria army had declared a one-month special operation, tagged operation python dance II, in the south-east part of Nigeria, a region which is part of those seeking for self-determination. The operation according to the army has commenced from September the 15th and ends on the 15th day of October 2017. 

This is the second time the army is making such moves in the eastern region between 12 months. Recall that similar operation was carried out during the yuletide of last year. 

The question on the lips of every person in the eastern region and people who still have some milk of human kindness in them is; what has warranted this operation at this time? what is the motive behind this?

According to the practice in a democratic society, the army should be in the barracks except when there is a serious violence that is beyond the police and other civilian security outfits and in Nigeria, there are many of such. Moreover, the army is mainly there to be used in times of war. This leaves one wondering if the eastern region has become a war zone.

It is pertinent to state that this zone has always enjoyed peace. Except for about almost a decade now, when some youths took to kidnapping out of frustration caused by the insensitive leaders, there has never been a time when the eastern region has had need of any military intervention and thank goodness, such times had long gone. 

Why then has the army chosen to embark on such missions? Could it be that they are suffering from dormancy and urgently need to get busy? That should not be the case because as it stands, the Boko Haram insurgents have never ceased in giving the same army a good run for their money. Have they finally surrendered to the terrorists and are looking for a cheap ground to wield their muscle? Why the eastern region? Why Igbo land?

A close look reveals some of the reasons behind it. In descending other, top on the list is to force the indigenous people of Biafra into their shell and by so doing, deaden the agitation for the restoration of Biafra. It has been made crystal clear that majority of the inhabitants of the old eastern region are fade up with the Nigeria state and have in recent time unnerved many especially the political big fish in the country.

The determination in display whenever those championing the Biafra restoration course leaves many in a great maze. They have shown that the Biafra or death slogan is far from what it was supposed to mean. These Biafrans, have held their own so well that the political class now see the fear of IPOB as the beginning of wisdom. 

As a result, it has become a resolve on the part of the Nigeria state to do everything within reach to silence the agitation. The strategies employed by Nigeria had included among others, intimidation, harassment, and killing; That about 2000 Biafrans has been killed between 2015 and now is but a ballpark figure in favor of the perpetrator. That has become part of history but Biafrans are still asking nonstop for justice from those whose duty it is to carry out such obligation

The most disturbing part is that as the oppressed keep seeking justice, the oppressors continue to redesign injustice and keeps dishing it out at will without any sign of repentance. This ravaging python dance is a good testament to the truth that the Nigeria state is determined to bring to an end a just course. The activities of the dancers even before the commencement of the beat calls for urgent intervention from all people of goodwill. 

The past few days have been a nightmare to Biafrans especially those who dwell in Aba and Umuahia, particularly Afaraukwu Ibeku, the country home of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Many have been murdered for reasons as meager as having a Biafran flag in the tricycle or having a Biafran bracelet on. 

In one of the very sad incidents at Ariaria, an eyewitness said that right before her eyes, that an only son was gruesomely murdered, his offense according to her was that he had remained adamant on having an IPOB bracelet on against the order of the soldiers. 

As at the moment, the exact number of those who lost their lives when the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was senselessly attacked is still unknown as bodies are still being discovered in nearby bushes. Proper investigation is needed to ascertain the loss of lives and properties from the attack. In essence, the main aim of the operation is to provoke the people to carry arms which will give the Nigeria state a ground to stand and carry out the pogrom that it has been long babied. 

It is really divine that this plan has not materialized. What has kept the youth from taking up arms against Nigeria in the face of unimaginable unprovoked onslaughts is undoubtedly extraordinary. Among those in Aso Rock, It is erroneously believed that heightened intimidation and massacre would force the people to go back on their decision to restore their true identity, but this is indeed an error and the people have in the past proven it thus. It is entirely Biafra or death, nothing more nothing less. If the killings which figure already run in millions counting from the inception of the struggle about a half-century ago could not, what can? 

Another glaring propeller of the operation is the pathological hatred which the Nigeria President tenaciously preserves for Biafrans who are predominantly Christians. Why Mr. Buhari loathes Biafrans with so much passion, remains a question only the Nigeria President or those very close to his heartbeat can answer. One can only insinuate that he is either a religious bigot or a mere senseless hater. He has continued to show his unreserved dislike for Biafrans and would go to any length to make sure they see no good thing. It is on record that this special operation is coming shortly after his nationwide broadcast when he came for holidays in Nigeria from his London hospital-turned-office, where he renewed his bitterness for Biafra and Biafrans. 

It should be noted that there is no reason whatsoever that calls for even the minutest military presence not to talk about any special operation in the East,therefore, the UN, EU, AU, ECOWAS and other such bodies should do well to find a safe zone for Biafrans and that according to their will is none else but Biafra restored as a sovereign nation. Their asking for a referendum, speaks volume of their civilization and resolve to get back their identity in a civilized way which is the peaceful way. 

This should be respected and encouraged by the UN in particular. It should prevail on Nigeria to urgently organize the platform to allow the people make their choice or otherwise make such arrangement itself. Doing so will not only prevent further bloodshed but will also establish and promote the use of peaceful means in the resolution of conflicts.

Publisher: Prince Richmond C. Amadi 

For Umuchukwu writers