Ohafia Traditional Rulers Seek End To Harassment Of Citizens, Want Return Of Social Life

Traditional Rulers in Ohafia local government area of Abia State under the aegis of Council of Ohafia Monarchs have appealed to the Nigerian Army to identify youths in the community said to be ‘unknown gunmen’ and arrest them, ABN TV reports.

The Royal Fathers decried the invasion of communities in Ohafia resulting in series of harassment and intimidation of law-abiding residents by security agencies.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a security meeting of Council of Ohafia Monarchs held on Monday 14th June 2021 at Udumeze Palace.

In the communique signed by His Royal Paramountcy. Professor. E U L Imaga, Udumeze Ohafia / (Ezieogo Elu), His Royal Majesty, Ezieogo Emmanuel Kalu Kalu Onugu ( Ezieogo Asaga), His Royal Majesty, Ezieogo Mba Odo Okereke (Ezieogo Akanu), His Royal Majesty, Ezieogo AWA Nwankwo (Ezieogo Amaekpu) and His Royal Majesty, Ezieogo Mmecha Ugbu Mmecha (Ezieogo Amangwu) the Traditional Rulers Insisted that Ndi Ohafia and residents of Ohafia are law-abiding citizens of Nigeria who deserve protections from Nigerian law enforcement agencies instead of intimidations and harassment.

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While alleging that the siege at Amangwu Ohafia has turned the people of the community to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their land, they added that the situation has created fears and trepidation to other neighbouring Ohafia communities.

“We do not know any “Un-known Gunmen” in Ohafia. The security agencies know the characters and personality profiles of deviant elements in the community. They should device means of arresting such personalities rather than stigmatising all youths and residents of Ohafia.

“The Council of Ohafia Monarchs have used various traditional instruments of authority (Imomo, Ogele, Akpan, etc) to advice and counsel Ohafia Youths and persons to be law-abiding and responsible citizens.

“The continuous lock-down of commercial and social activities in Ohafia Community has completely paralyzed economic activities and well-being of Ndi Ohafia” the communique read in part.

While appreciating the presence, services, and comradeship of the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies in Ohafia, the monarchs, however, condemned what they call the continuous harassments and intimidation of well-meaning and law-abiding sons and daughters/residents of Ohafia.

They, therefore, appealed to the Brigade Commander to reconsider their strategies and tactics of maintaining peace and harmony in Ohafia Communities without dehumanizing and intimidating innocent citizens, calling for a return of economic and social activities in Ohafia.