The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its recent raid on the Ogbo Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, and called for the return of goods seized from traders during the operation.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group alleged that NAFDAC officials conducted a midnight raid, during which they blocked CCTV cameras, broke into shops, and seized goods under the pretext of targeting counterfeit drugs. IPOB raised concerns about the lack of transparency and professionalism in the operation, questioning the motives behind the raid and the conduct of the agency.
While IPOB reiterated its opposition to the sale of counterfeit drugs, it criticized NAFDAC for conducting the operation in the absence of traders and without sufficient proof that all the confiscated goods were counterfeit. The group also questioned why the operation was carried out at midnight, why CCTV cameras were blocked, and the evidence supporting the claim that the seized drugs were fake. Furthermore, IPOB questioned the decision to seal the entire market, which negatively affected both innocent and guilty traders alike.
The statement called for NAFDAC to adopt a more transparent and professional approach in addressing the issue of fake drugs. IPOB suggested that NAFDAC establish permanent offices in drug markets to monitor and regulate activities rather than conducting surprise raids. The group also urged NAFDAC to collaborate with the 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 there.
