NEWS
Enugu Community Accuses Traditional Ruler of Killings and Burning of Houses, Seeks Government Intervention
By Sylvia Udegbunam
Residents of Akpawfu town in Nkanu council area of Enugu state have accused the Traditional Ruler of Ajame Ameze, Igwe Christopher Nnamani, of killing and burning their houses.
They alleged that the monarch has labeled them outcasts and used his private armed men to carry out the acts in the communities of Ishiagu Akpawfu and Ajame Ameze,
The community is calling for the intervention of the Enugu state government and security operatives before they are completely wiped out by the traditional ruler.
When contacted, Igwe Nnamani dismissed the allegations, stating that the victims were alleged criminal elements who had been terrorizing the locality and had been traced to their hideout in a forest by soldiers and police.
He claimed to have no knowledge of their deaths or the burning of houses, attributing the actions to soldiers.
“They believe they can blackmail me, but I will not allow it. As a senior citizen of this country, who served the nation for 35 years, I am not an illiterate traditional ruler. I am aware of my rights, and they cannot intimidate or tarnish the reputation I have built over the years,” Igwe Nnamani declared.
However, a concerned citizen who Spoke to DAILY ASSET on the condition of anonymity said, “Igwe Christopher Nnamani is practicing outcast custom in his community, which is the reason why he ordered his private army to kill and burn the houses of those he alleged to be outcasts.”
Two concerned indigenes of the area, Felix Ani and Ikechukwu Udeh, have also expressed concern over the matter, calling on the Enugu state government and the state commissioner of police to call Igwe Christopher Nnamani to order and bring him to book for the heinous crimes committed against innocent people in his community.
“The Igwe gave those he deemed outcasts until December 2022 to vacate his community, after which he began burning their houses,” they said.
Community members corroborating themselves also accused the Igwe of going into a deal with the militia wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to police the localities, a deal he could not manage well.
“Igwe Christopher Nnamani and his group allegedly organized a private army and took them to Kogi State, where they were fortified with bulletproof charms before returning to the town. They started mounting roadblocks, beating people, and shooting and killing people all over Akpawfu Oyiwode.
“They even ignored the instructions given by the Peace Committee instituted by Nkanu East Council area Chairman in conjunction with (HRH) Igwe Dume Nnamoko, of Obodo Uvuru that asked all to lay down their Arms and embrace peace.
“While the Peace Committee was appealing to all to respect the peace accord, the new Private Army instituted by Igwe Christopher Nnamani and his group were busy killing people of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode.
“On Saturday 29th April 2023 his private Army went to Akpugo where one of the Sons of Ezenwanyi, Ugochukwu Onovo took refuge, shoot and killed him.
“His body has been deposited in the Mortuary. Then from that last Saturday Igwe Christopher Nnamani’s Private Army have been going from house to house in Akpawfu, killing innocent old men and youths of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode family who didn’t know anything about any problem in Akpawfu Oyiwode.
“The entire Town has been chased away by the illegal Constituted Army of Igwe Christopher Nnamani. Our people have deserted the Communities for fear of Igwe Nnamani and his private Army terrorizing us,” Ani alleged.
“They have been responsible for the killings, kidnappings of innocent natives, and making life unbearable for our people. However, the Soldiers and Policemen were able to identify and track them down, holding them accountable for their actions. Doubtful of my words? Simply visit the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu or the state police Command to receive accurate information on how these criminals were traced to their forest hideout. This matter is currently before the Commissioner of Police, who has invited me to discuss it tomorrow, May 4th, 2023. You are welcome to join and hear from the police firsthand,” he added.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk final revocation of their allocation.
This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister reiterated that the primary interest was not for people to lose their lands, but to get them to make necessary payments to the government.
The statement read; “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published.
They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.“Yesterday, notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.
“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two weeks grace has been given.
“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend revealed that it has concluded arrangements to intensify patrol and surveillance in Abuja.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated this while briefing journalists after the monthly security meeting in preparation for the yuletide, in Abuja.
Disu said the committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that the FCT is safe during and after the end of year festivities.
Disu disclosed that joint teams of all the security agencies will embark on clearance operations in the coming days and urged residents not to panic at the sight of the high-power security operatives, adding that specific places have been identified for more deployment.
He said, “We are intensifying our activities in all the borders. Exit and entry into the FCT. We are synergising with all the neighbouring states and focusing on all the bushes around. The Nigeria Airforce is bringing in their helicopters for surveillance of the identified areas while the Nigeria Army, Navy, NSCDC and Police are ready and already clearing the bushes.
“You are going to be seeing all of us patrolling together. These are sights not usually seen under normal circumstances. So, you will see us patrol together to ensure we bring peace”.
He thanked residents for their cooperation while soliciting for their continued support, urging them to report any suspicious person or activity to the security agencies.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
As the 16 days of activism rounded up on the 10 of December across the world, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Calabar,”We The People” has continued to sensitize women on Gender Based Violence and Environmental Injustice
The group noted that environmental harm reduces agricultural yields and livelihood making women more economically dependent on men and vulnerable to financial abuse
These views were contained in the lecture series to women in a sensitization workshop in Calabar on gender based violence (GBV) and Environmental Injustice against women.
It was also stated that environmental degradation exacerbates gender based violence and increases vulnerability during crises.
The group noted that Natural disasters, such as floods and drought often displaced communities leading to insecure living environment like overcrowding where gender based violence risks are heightenedThey maintained that women are most likely to face exploitation, trafficking and domestic violence in such situations, noting that deforestation and water scarcity are parts of environmental challenges faced by women and children.
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