A community leader, Chief Albert Ahanonu has blamed the tyranny of the traditional ruler of Egbelu Obube Community, Owerri North Local Government Area, Eze Jude Nwogu for the recent uprising by youths in the community.
Chief Ahanonu specially accused the traditional ruler of masterminding what he termed as the abduction of one Emmanuel Oparaocha by unknown gunmen.
Our correspondent gathered that the abduction of Oparaocha, Vice Chairman, Unuchoko Egbelu Obube Community triggered youth uprising on February 2.
Chief Ahanonu (Arufuaku) said the uprising was a direct consequence of highhandedness and tyrannical rulership of the traditional ruler.
Chief Ahanonu said in a statement: “The Youths uprising in the community was as a result of the intimidation, harrasment and autocratic and tyrant leadership of the traditional ruler, Eze Jude Nworgu and his lieutenants against the people.
“After many peaceful protests by the entire people of Umuchoko Village to seek justice for the victims whose house were burnt and property destroyed by the thugs of the traditional ruler didn’t produce fruits, the people had to rise.
“Many of the villagers have lost their farms and valuable properties since the crisis began.
Others have been silenced with threat not to speak out. We have reported these henious attacks to the relevant authorities. Let government come and rescue Umuchoko people from the hands of a tyrant traditional ruler.”
He listed individuals who fell victims of the recent attack by the monarch’s thugs to include Eke Ibe, Engr Theophilus Ekeocha, Marcellus Ewelike, Elder Donatus Okere and Engr Darlington Igbo.
Marcellus Ewelike who spoke on behalf of the other victims corroborated the stand of Chief Ahanonu.
Ewelikesaid; “They were attacked by the thugs of the traditional ruler because they refused to align with his leadership style.
“The traditional ruler and his cohorts have been oppressing and intimidating the people.”
Also the traditional ruler in company of his prime minister Sir George Nwkoji seized the harvested fruits of the villagers. These harvested fruits are the labours of the old women and men in the village. We want the government to come to our rescue.
