Imo community razed over leadership tussle   
Written by Chidi Nkwopara     
Wednesday, 25 February 2009 

Owerri—Properties worth millions of Naira have been razed in Akabor community, Oguta local government area of Imo State, following the bitter struggle for the traditional stool of the community.
As at the last count, no fewer than 17 residential houses have been set ablaze, while scores of people have taken refuge in the neighbouring communities, or in Owerri, the state capital.

Feelers from the community revealed that the current bloody skirmish was triggered off by what a source claimed was “the mysterious murder of one Mr. Joseph Amakonze, a youth, whose loyalty to one of the factions, was not in doubt”.

It was further gathered that the dead youth’s colleagues claimed that his murder was the handiwork of their opponents and immediately started a reprisal attack.

A source who pleaded anonymity for fear of being attacked, said that “the rampaging youths, who wanted to avenge the death of their colleague, were armed with all manner of dangerous weapons and started burning, damaging and looting the properties of some people opposed to their choice royal father”.

He appealed that something urgent be done to avert further loss of lives and properties  in the community.

It would be recalled that the tussle for the traditional stool started about two years ago, after the death of the royal father of the community, Eze Emetuma.

When Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Linus Nwaiwu, was contacted on the incident, he confirmed the story,  but added that a detachment of policemen have been drafted to the area to maintain peace.

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