Unknown gunmen on Thursday afternoon stormed an old generation bank in Anambra State and hoisted the Biafran flag in the premises.
The attack, confirmed by the state police command spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, reportedly occurred in Abagana, Njikoka local government area, where the armed men said to be ten in numbers scared passersby by shooting sporadically into the air but killed no one in the process.
It also comes hours after the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) raised alarm that the State Security Service (SSS) was planning to attack financial institutions in the South-East and named it as being behind the attacks.
“Our intelligence unit has uncovered a fabricated propaganda by the Department of State Services DSS, that Eastern Security Network, ESN is planning to attack banks in Biafraland to acquire money to purchase arms,” Emma Powerful, spokesman of the secessionist group said in a Thursday statement. “DSS is propelling this wicked propaganda all in a bid to blackmail ESN and IPOB, and dent our global reputation. We therefore, wish to debunk this falsehood and blatant lie from the pit of hell.
“IPOB and ESN are not criminals and we have no plans or agenda to touch any institution particularly banks. We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom.
“We don’t inflict pains on the people we are fighting for their freedom. DSS must stop this rubbish and engage their time on something more meaningful. This poor script cannot fly.
“IPOB and ESN are very disciplined groups, and we cannot indulge in armed robbery against any individual or group. ESN has never left its mandate which is to defend Biafra land against Fulani terrorists and killer herdsmen.
“All banks in Biafraland must be wary of DSS because it is possible they are planning to sponsor attacks on banks and turn around as usual to blame it on IPOB and ESN operatives,” Powerful added.
Peter Afunanya, spokesman of the self-styled Department of State Services (DSS) was not reachable for comments as at press time.
