Community Sends SOS To Soludo Over Harassment, Intimidation

Community leaders from Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra, have called on the State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to save them from incessant harassment and intimidation.

They made the call at a news conference in Awka, the state capital, following last week’s invasion of Nteje.

Spokesman of the community, Mr Martins Okechukwu, said seven persons, including Chief Benneth Chinweze, the acting President General of Nteje, were wounded by people suspected to be security operatives.

“Apart from our President General, now laying critically ill, one Oluebube Anukwu, who was among seven persons that sustained gun shots is now dead, while five others are receiving treatments in different hospitals.

“Before now, Nteje has been a peaceful community, but in the past 10 years now all that we are facing are incessant attacks and arrest of our people and in some cases taken to Abuja where they suffer grievously,” he said.

Okechukwu blamed the ugly development on some native fanning the crisis due to their interest in land grabbing activities.

He said Nteje community has about four army checkpoints which some privileged individuals take undue advantage to harass the residents.

Chief Benneth Chinweze, the acting President General of Nteje, who spoke to journalists from his hospital bed in Awka, said he had harrowing experience in the hands of the security men on June 16.

“I was driving when suddenly some persons who all covered their faces double crossed my vehicle and ordered me out of my vehicle.”

“They forced me into their Hilux truck, tie my legs and hands and blindfolded me before they began to treat me like a common criminal.

“This incident took place on Thursday June 16, but it was on Friday June 17, that I regained consciousness in a hospital. As you can see, I cannot raise my two hands up or use them to eat and bathe, I am just helpless here as you can see”, he said.