General
Anambra women protest monarch’s harassment
Women of Oba-Ofemili in Awka North Local Government of Anambra State yesterday marched on the Government House in Awka to protest alleged harassment of their monarch, Ezekwesili Maduagwuna, by the police.
They lamented the continued boundary crisis between them and Ibite Ollo in Ezeagu Local Government of Enugu State.
Many of their placards read: “Our monarch has no hand in any killing”; “Our community cannot succumb to intimidation”; “Anambra government please save us, release our children from detention.”
one person was killed in the clash, and five held in a correction centre in Enugu State.
Speaking for the protesters, Mrs Grace Nwabufor, said they were at the Government House because the issue was getting out of hand.
“We are overwhelmed. In the last four years, we have not known peace because of the land dispute between us and Ibite Ollo in Enugu State.
“Deputy governors of the two states, who are in charge of their boundary commissions, decided that we should continue to farm on our end until a proper demarcation is done, but we are chased away anytime we go to the farm.
“Sometime this year, our neighbour came with guns and killed one person. Since then, the entire community, including our monarch, is being harassed by police from Enugu State such that the king has gone into hiding. That is why we have come to complain to Governor Willie Obiano to come to our rescue before our neighbours wipe us out.
“Since the Enugu State government is on the side of our neighbours, we expect our governor to also support us. Our governor should ensure our children are released to us.
“We can no longer feed because we cannot enter our farms. After both communities were asked to farm on their sides, our neighbours chased us out of the farms and injured many in the process.”
Henry Nwasike, who addressed the women, hailed their peaceful disposition and explained that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters directed him to assure them that their complaints would get the governor’s attention.
He said:
“It is difficult for any community to endure what you have been passing through. The government is happy that you did not take laws into your hands; you did the right thing by coming to complain to the governor himself.
“The government will look into the issues; everyone should enjoy peace. The Enugu and Anambra state governments will demarcate the proper boundaries to ensure peace reigns.”
Spokesman of the Enugu State Police command Benjamin Mgbankwo said he was not aware of the situation as he was new.
But he promised to investigate the allegations.
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