Where is Nnamdi Kanu?

Nnamdi Kanu

For over 30 days now, the whereabouts of the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, has been a subject of speculation by Nigerians and the International community.

Recall that Kanu was last seen on August 30 when men of the Nigerian army allegedly invaded his home in Umuahia and since then, he is whereabouts has been unknown. Members of his family have been raising alarm over the matter and have accused the army of abducting him during their onslaught at his home.

    The matter has inevitably attracted the attention of the international community, especially with the United Kingdom asking the Nigerian government of the whereabouts of Mr. Kanu.

Despite comments by many people, the Nigerian government has continued to deny that it invaded the residence of the IPOB leader. The army also denies knowledge of Kanu's whereabouts while at the same time, proscribed the group based of frivolous allegation of terrorism.

  The same government who used military might in a desperate attempt to crush Kanu and the IPOB as witnessed during the recent Operation Python Dance in Abia state recently, stated that it cannot move against the cattle rearers (herdsmen) “because they are neither visible nor carry out their activities under an open or known group.”

  Just at the weekend, a former governor of Abia state, Chief Orji-Uzo Kalu alleged that Nnamdi Kanu sneaked out of Nigeria after the alleged military invasion and travelled to Malasia, from where he moved on to London.

Going by Orji Kalu's stand on issues concerning Biafra and the IPOB, it may not be worthwhile to believe his claim especially since the United Kingdom has not acknowledged the arrival of Mr. Kanu in London.

  

While Nigerians await confirmation of Kanu's arrival in London, the Nigerian government, though deeply occupied with preparations for the celebration of Nigeria's 57th Independence Day anniversary, should make effort to prove to Nigerians that the IPOB leader is not really in their custody so as to douse the tension already generated in the polity.