The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to return goods impounded from traders at Ogbo Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group claimed that NAFDAC officials conducted a midnight raid on the market, blocking CCTV cameras, breaking into shops, and seizing a number of goods suspected to fake drugs.
IPOB said it is not against the war to rid the maker of fake and counterfeit drugs but criticized the method of the operation, questioning the agency’s approach, sincerity and transparency.
it expressed concern over the alleged seizure of traders’ goods in their absence, the blocking of surveillance cameras, and the lack of evidence proving that all confiscated products were counterfeit.
The group wondered why NAFDAC chose night time including to conduct its operation and why CCTV cameras were blocked?
The separatist group also sought to see the evidence that the confiscated drugs were fake, even as it asked to know why the entire market was sealed to the hurt of both innocent and guilty traders.
IPOB urged NAFDAC to adopt a more professional and transparent approach to combating fake drugs, suggesting that the agency establish permanent offices in drug markets to ensure proper regulation rather than conducting surprise raids.
The statement urged NAFDAC to collaborate with ofthe Anambra State Government to relocate the drug market to the new Oba Drug Market, ensuring that only licensed and certified dealers are allowed to operate.
The Daily Crucible reports that NAFDAC had recently raided the market and sealed it off while the traders alleged that the agency carted away N500 billion worth of goods.
