People of Isuaniocha community in Awka North local government area on Wednesday called on the Anambra state Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and the Nigerian Police authority to save them from random intimidation, harassment and indiscriminate arrests by operatives of the Police.
The protesting youths said the police brutalities were sponsored by some influential members of their community and urged Governor Soludo to also look into the issues fueling the crisis in the community.
According to them, the crisis has made it difficult for them to crown a new Traditional ruler, or elect new President General, thereby stalling the development of the community.
The youths during the peaceful protest in the community, accused the Police authority of availing its men and resources to the rich, in oppressing some members of Isuaniocha community, and taking no actions to stem the brewing crisis in the community.
The youth leader of the community, Mr Onyemazu Ngini alleged that trouble started after the former President-General of the community, Mr Anthony Onyeagolu became reckless with power, leading to the murder of one Angus Okoye and attempted murder of Chidiebele Okoye.
He explained that those fingered in the atrocity absconded from the community, but some were later arrested and charged to court, adding that with the renewed police actions sponsored by some influential members of the community, over hundred indigenes of Isuaniocha have been arrested, including a mentally challenged man, while more are on the police wanted list.
Another youth from the community, Chukwuma Ume said that young men in the community no longer sleep at home because of the activities of the police, sponsored by some individuals.
He regretted that the development of the community is being seriously retarded.
While denying the allegations leveled against him, the former President General of the community, Mr Onyeagolu, who recalled that in February 2020, he was arrested and detained for over six months before his matter was charged to court, which he said is ongoing, urged those invited by the police over the issue in the community to honour such invitations.
The Anambra state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, while reacting to the allegations levelled against the police, maintained that the command will continue to show commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
He restated the willingness of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Echeng to look into the issues raised by the youths, urging them to make a formal complaint to the command for necessary actions.
