Politics
OVER 1000 indigenes of 20 villages in Awka community, Awka south local government area of Anambra state on Wednesday, November 22, protested naked.
They said their anger stemmed from mindless killings of their kinsmen.
The protesters, marched around the capital city with placards, accusing some senior officers in the police command of aiding and abetting bribery and corruption in the area.
They also carried a mock coffin signifying the burial of the accused officers, issuing concerned authorities a 7-day ultimatum to remove the indicted personnel.
Some of the placards read: “Cultists are killing our people”, “Remove bad eggs from Police”, “Nigeria Police deserve better not director of crime”, “DC causing Insecurity in Awka”, “Say no bribery and corruption”, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief Richard Onuorah, said the communities would no longer tolerate incessant killings and maiming of their people.
He said: “We’re crying our eyes out every day because of cult-related killings in the community. There’s fear everywhere. We can’t go out and come back in peace.
“People are dying every day. We won’t keep quiet and watch this man’s inhumanity to man to continue. It is time to put a stop to it.”
Also speaking, the chairman of Ezinano Community, Tochukwu Nwokoye, expressed optimism that the protest would bring an end to the unrest in Awka.
He called for the return of private security operatives in the area, saying they were comfortable with their mode of operation.
Reacting, police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga commended the peaceful disposition of the protesters, assuring of an amicable resolution of the matter.
He also appreciated the people of the area for their support and cooperation, especially in providing information to the police.
He said: “There have been killings and cult-related incidences in Awka. We’re calling on the families of the victims to come forward with a formal report.
“We’ve arrested a notorious killer fingered and confessed to be among those that killed four persons, including a private security operatives. Since that arrest, there has been relative peace here
“We didn’t achieve that feat alone. The people of Awka have been very supportive and cooperative. I must commend them because it’s through their information that we were able to track the suspects.
“As for the complaints brought to us, we’ll look into it and do a proper investigation.” (culled from TheNation)
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-Nov. 23, 2023 @ 16:45 GMT |
Tags: Chief Richard Onuorah Tochukwu Nwokoye Women protest naked
