Alleged Petition: Umuohu Okpula Ndume Community Raises Alarm Over Mass Arrest, Intimidation by Operation Crush, Police

The people of Umuohu Okpula Ndume lbeku in Umuahia North LGA have raised alarm over intimidation, harassment, destruction of houses and arrest of the indigenes of the community by men of Operation Crush and Police from CPS Umuahia.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, Chairman of the Community, Mr Okwudiri Mbachu, accused men of Operation Crush, police from CPS Umuahia of carrying out mass arrests, breaking houses of the residents, beating up people over an alleged petition by one Mr. Chigozie Ohabuiro Alias Dozie Way from Ihie Ndume.

Mbachu called on the state Government and the Commissioner of Police in Abia state to intervene in the matter to avoid breakdown of law and order.

The Chairman wondered why the Army and Police should embark on intimidation and destruction of peoples houses in a matter that is before a court.

According to him, matter is connected with the purchase of a sandfield portion of Ehimiri River along Ehimiri axis of Umuahia/Ikot Ekpene road belonging to the community, by the said Mr Chidozie Ohabuiro.

He claimed that some persons in the community had conspired and sold the sandfield part of the river to Ohabuiro, which the community vehemently opposed, pointing out that, the matter has continued at the High Court in Umuahia.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Community, Mr. Obinna Onyebuchi, explained that the action of the men of Operation Crush and police can truncate the peace already existing in the community and called on Governor Alex Otti to intervene.

He said that if the intimidation, harassment, destruction of peoples’ property and mass arrest continue over a mere petition, it may result in another thing.

As at the time of filing this report, two persons are said to been arrested while many other youths have deserted for fear of being added to the number.