Foremost nationalist and first Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, has charged the Eastern Security Network of the secessionist sect – Indigenous People of Biafra to be defensive against any attack.

The elder statesman’s statement comes amidst ongoing tension in the southeast, including the killing of an ESN commander known as Ikonso, during an alleged gun battle with the Nigerian security operatives last Saturday in Imo State.

Amaechi, who made the statement on Tuesday, charged the groups to maintain the sanctity of innocence, and defend themselves if attacked.

Daily Post quoted the ex minister as saying what is happening in the country can be liken to the crime Adolf Hitler committed against the Jews.

“I will advise IPOB to steer clear of what is happening in the South East and let the truth be revealed. Let them maintain the sanctity of their innocence. If the ESN people are attacked, let them defend themselves. I don’t want IPOB to go into violence because they have neither the arms nor the wherewithal and capability to do that.

“Who is investigating these attacks? The Police is investigating the IPOB. Can the police investigate the government or themselves? What is happening now is like what Hitler did against the Jews, sent their secret service men to commit certain crimes and got back to accuse the Jews.

“I believe they are sending them to commit these attacks and burning of properties so that the impression will be that IPOB is behind it in order for them to either kill them or declare a state of emergency in Igbo land or to do whatever they like or completely kill the Igbo the way they like,” Amaechi’s statement read.

Recall that the country home of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, was attacked leading to the death of three security operatives attached to the governor and cars destroyed.

In the same vein, 19 persons suspected to be herders were reportedly ambushed and killed in Ukpomachi village, Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, by unknown gunmen who also destroyed their properties belonging to the victims.

There is also the series of alleged arson meted on police stations in the region, including the attacker on a station in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, on Monday.

In a smiliar situation, five policemen were killed when unknown gunmen stormed the Okigwe South Police Area Command situated in Orieagu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday.

Nevertheless, the nationalist cautioned IPOB and ESN to avoid violence, suggesting that insecurity in the region is intentionally ignited by security agents to dent their image.