August should be a special month of mass return for all Igbo living in Northern Nigeria - MASSOB

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- The ultimatum given to Igbos living in the north by a coalition of northern youths is still fresh in mind 

- Some groups have taken it upon themselves to resolve the issue 

- One of such groups is the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Biafra (MASSOB) 

MASSOB on Tuesday, July 18, directed all Igbos residing in the northern part of the country to take advantage of the month of August 2017 to return to the south-east. 

This was contained in a statement by the group's national information officer, Samuel Edesonu, who said the decision was taken to beat the October 1 deadline quit notice given by the Arewa youths.

MASSOB further said the decision was taken at its national executive meeting presided over by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu. 

According to the statement, August was chosen because of its significance in Igbo calendar as the period for new yam festival and women’s August meeting. 

The group charged the Igbo, especially women, to persuade their loved ones (husbands and children) to come home unfailingly. 

MASSOB also directed all the Eze Ndigbo in the 19 northern states to commence immediately the compilation of names, residential addresses and villages/towns of all Igbos living in their respective northern cities, advising that such data collation of the people should end by September 10. 

Part of the statement read: “MASSOB insists and beckons on Biafrans living in Arewa land to intensify efforts in relocating their families back home. 

“MASSOB has resolved that the month of August being a significant month of special festivals of Iri ji (New yam festival) and women August meeting in Igbo land, should be a special month of mass return for all Igbo living in Northern Nigeria. 

“MASSOB also mandates all married Igbo women living in Northern Nigeria to start intimating their husbands about the dangers of staying in Arewa land which no longer guarantees their safety. They should also intensify their pressure on their husbands concerning the mass return next month. 

“MASSOB under the leadership of Comrade Uchenna Madu will continue undeterred in non-violence pursuant of Biafra actualization and restoration.” In a related development, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) met with the Northern Coalition of Youths on Saturday, July 15. 

The meeting was with a view to charting a common course for the peaceful co-existence of various groups in all parts of the country. 

In the meeting, which took place in Abuja, the northern coalition said it had begun the process of reviewing its demand asking the Igbos to leave the north by October 1st. 

The coalition however said it would not back down on its petition to the United Nations asking it to intervene in the affairs of the nation.