The leader of a community in Imo State has urged government and security authorities to investigate claims of excessive force and rights violations against residents, linking the tensions to an unresolved traditional leadership dispute that remains before the courts.
Collins Onyewuchi, President-General of the Udo Peoples Assembly in Udo Autonomous Community, Ezinihite Local Government Area, described a series of incidents that he said have created fear among residents. He pointed to an event on August 10, when women were preparing for their annual August meeting. According to Onyewuchi, a group arrived at a prayer gathering in Umunnore village and tried to disrupt it. An altercation followed during which a firearm was discharged. Security personnel then entered parts of the community and arrested about eight young men.
Onyewuchi alleged that some residents were assaulted and required medical care. The detained youths were released on August 13. The episode, he said, halted the women’s planned three-day programme and heightened local anxiety. He also reported that some items taken during the operation including phones and a laptop had not been returned, though other property had been.
Onyewuchi called on the police and other agencies to examine what occurred and to address circulating social media messages that he believed could worsen tensions. He noted earlier reports to security agencies about possible disturbances that were later resolved without violence.
The underlying conflict concerns the selection of a traditional ruler after the previous holder of the position died and was buried in 2020. Onyewuchi said the community’s constitution sets out a process for determining which village produces the next ruler before candidates emerge. Disagreements arose over that process. The state government later presented a staff of office to one contender.
The Udo Peoples Assembly wrote to the governor seeking intervention. After receiving no response, it filed a court case seeking clarification of the proper procedure. The matter remains before the court, with relevant government parties represented. Onyewuchi stressed that the dispute should be left to the judicial process and that residents should not face intimidation or force over an issue already in court.
Onyewuchi appealed to the Imo State Government, the police and other security agencies to handle community disputes through dialogue, lawful channels and proportionate measures.
“We want the relevant government agencies to address the alleged infringement of fundamental human rights and brutality against our people,” he said.
He affirmed that residents are ready to cooperate with lawful authorities while urging security forces to distinguish genuine threats from internal community disagreements. He also called on all parties to the chieftaincy dispute to remain peaceful pending the court’s decision, saying the immediate priority is restoring calm so residents can carry out legitimate activities without fear.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
