The Organization of African Instituted churches, OAIC, with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, has raised alarm over what it described as the arrest of its members in Orlu, Imo State following reported clashes between the Nigeria military and militants said to be members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, set up by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
South leaders and executive members of OAIC from the South East while briefing newsmen in Owerri Wednesday, hinted that some of its leaders like the vice chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imo State chapter, Sup. Apostle Bethel Onumajuru and Rev. Chigozie Nwaka were arrested by the police in Orlu while the Imo CAN vice chairman Sup. Apostle Onumajuru was released later.
The South East OAIC Zonal Chairman, Special Senior Apostle Augustine Aboh, a lawyer, informed that OAIC remained a bloc in CAN and is noted for peacefulness. He said OAIC was also aware of insinuations that OIAC refered to as while garment churches, was allegedly with IPOB, adding that they have highly placed persons in Nigeria and would not be involved in anything that would jeopardize peace in the country.
Special Senior Apostle Aboh went further to reveal that OAIC comprised churches with origin or root in Africa with headquarters in Kenya insisting that OAIC does not sponsor or encourage sessionists activities. He said any individual member of the block is personally liable for any act that runs contrary to the laws of the nation.
He declared that is support of the federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led Imo State Government.
He said OAIC South East was not pleased with what he alleged as random arrest and detention of its members in Imo State particularly, the case of arrest of its member and CAN Vice Chairman, Onumajuru including its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Rev. Nwaka although both have already been released according to the organization.
Speaking also, the zonal secretary, CAN, South East, Rev. Dr. Nwokolo appealed to government to prevent repeat of such arrests in future. He disclosed that they have the names, of churches registered with OAIC while assuring that as a peaceful organization, they would continue to pray for the peace of Nigeria.
