2 killed as pro-Biafra group seizes Enugu radio station

BZF leader, Onwuka, 15 others arrested From PETRUS OBI, Enugu At least two persons, including a policeman, have been reported dead following a clash between the police and members of the Ben Onwuka-led Biafra Zionist Front (BZF), who seized Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) in the early hours of yesterday. The Biafra group reportedly stormed the radio station at about 3.30am to 4.00am overpowering the internal security before moving into the station where they attempted to broadcast a prepared speech relating to Biafra declaration. Onwuka and his members, numbering over 20, were said to have failed in their bid to carry out the broadcast as some members of staff they met all claimed ignorance of how to operate the machines to enable them go on air. About four policemen keeping vigil in the area were said to have responded to security alerts and decided to confront the invaders inside the studio. Our source reported that gunshots were heard thereafter just as the BZF members who had besieged the station started to run out of the building. A police sergeant, whose identity could not be determined at press time, was shot dead alongside an unidentified member of the BZF. Another policeman, who sustained injury in the clash was later reported to have died. Leader of the Biafra group, Mr. Benjamin Onwuka, who had earlier been declared wanted by the police for his alleged involvement in the March 8 attack on Enugu Government House, was also arrested alongside 14 of his members. Onwuka came into the limelight after he was arrested alongside over 100 members of his group shortly after he declared a State of Biafra on November 5, 2012. He claimed to have led the attack on the Enugu State House in March during which he said he seized the Government House for about four hours and allegedly hoisted the Biafra flag. When our reporter visited ESBS television and radio station, the place was locked up just as workers were barred from entering their offices. When contacted, the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, promised to give more details on what transpired once he was through with what he termed brief enquiry. “Onwuka and some of his arrested members are with us and we want to get more facts from them about the incident,” he said.