The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has alleged that its members are being persecuted in Nigeria.
The National Director of Information of MASSOB, Edeson Samuel, made this allegation in a statement on Friday.
Samuel described MASSOB as a non violent self-determination, pro Biafra agitation movement, which has existed for over 26 years, noting that it has never engaged in criminal activities or arms struggle.
The movement condemned the brutal actions of the Nigerian authorities against its members.
It urged the international community, including the United Nations and other human rights organizations, to intervene and put a stop to the harassment and arrests of its members in Nigeria.
The group also called for global intervention on the harassment and arrest of members returning back to Nigeria
It added that the rights of its members to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are being violated, appealing to the global community to take action to protect these fundamental human rights.
The group equally urged foreign countries that have asylum-seeking MASSOB members to ensure their safety and not deport them back to Nigeria, where their lives may be at risk.
“We urge these countries to consider the grave dangers faced by our members in Nigeria and provide them with the protection they need.
“It is time for the world to stand in solidarity with the oppressed people of Biafra and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its actions.
“We remain committed to the peaceful pursuit of Biafran self-determination and calls for an end to the persecution of our members,” the statement said.
