Nigerians on social media are mourning the death of Ikonso, a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) killed yesterday in Imo State.
The deceased warlord was reportedly ambushed and murdered in cold blood by security forces who have been trailing him after the recent attack on Imo State Police headquarters and a correctional facility near the government house.
The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) has described his death as painful while Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister, said the Nigerian government has made a grave mistake by killing him.
On Sunday afternoon, Ikonso was trending on Twitter with many eulogizing him as a hero who died for a just cause.
Below are few reactions picked from the micro-blogging site.
https://twitter.com/BiafraLoyalist/status/1386310435935199234?s=20
Farewell Ikonso you'll be forever immortalised, gallant soldier. #Biafrans this is a big hit on all of us, but let it not deter us. I still plead we keep some of secrecy out of social media, there's always gold that comes with element of surprise.
Rest in power Dike-ogu. ????— Xpsilver???? (@Xpsilver1) April 25, 2021
One thing that the zoo haven't learnt is that,killings will never stop an ideology.They killed Mohammed Yusuf,did that stop Boko Haram today?The answer is NO.The killing of #IkoNso is the worst mistake done by #hopeuzodinma & co. We have millions of #Ikonso & hell will let loose. pic.twitter.com/oq1E9W6L6R
— PAN-????️FRICAN Amaka (@Real_AmakaIke) April 25, 2021
Reincarnate in power my dear IKONSO.
Neche loves you forever????— Neche (@Neche201) April 25, 2021
Ikonso was a freedom fighter who died fighting for the restoration of Biafran nation. 20,000 shall rise in your place. Rest in peace to a great warrior, Commander Ikonso.
— IFÁ FUNSHO ???? (@funshographix) April 25, 2021
When you take one strong man out… You have given room for more stronger men to emerge..
one of our strong commander IKONSO
What a great Lost ????????????,EGBUODIKE NA OGU UNO UBOCHI OGU AMA ACHOO DIKE. pic.twitter.com/MQ0GyEYhA1
— Chinedu Livingstone (@ChineduLivings1) April 25, 2021
IKONSO! A FEARLESS HERO
Rest in Power. From ODUDUWA citizens to IPOB Family kindly accept our sincere condolences. The wicked shall pay for this heinous crime against freedom fighters.
ODUDUWA REPUBLIC NOW/BIAFRA NOW pic.twitter.com/DzsCky1nHR— Oduduwa Republic (@OduduwaR) April 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/EmekaGift/status/1386273317087219715?s=20
The death of Ikonso will never be in vain, he fought gallantly to make sure that we are protected till death
By killing him they have activated millions of other Ikonso,
May his spirit continue to fight with us pic.twitter.com/XNOLF9z09k— Machuks Okonkwọ (@MachuksO) April 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/brightersonic/status/1386211739327508480?s=20
The only crime of Ikonso and other ESN comrades is trying to stop terrorists herdsmen from killing and raping our people
In one Nigeria, terrorists are being pampered and protected while innocent civilians are being killed
Support #BiafraExit #ESN
— Machuks Okonkwọ (@MachuksO) April 25, 2021