From Chris Oji, Enugu

All is not well in the agrarian community of Owo in Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The hitherto peaceful and bubbling community is now under the siege of an orchestrated mafia within the community that has continued to unleash te


For close to two years, the gang, who operate like armed robbers, have attacked innocent citizens and threatened the lives of many young and old indigenes of the community.

The terror gang, whose motive is not known, is said to strike at will, maiming and kidnapping. They sometimes kill and rob their victims. The reign of terror has reduced the town into a ghost haven. The people now live in perpetual fear and anxiety as nobody is sure of the next target.

For this reason, the community is taking its case to Governor Sullivan Chime and the State Police Command to come to their rescue as the situation is getting out of hand. The elders, leaders of thought, the town union executives and Ndioha of the community converged recently at the Town Square to map out strategies against the siege. A 21-member committee was mandated to convey their plight to the governor and the commissioner of police.

The meeting was provoked by the recent attack on some of the community members. The victims of such attacks are Igwe Nwaogbachi, Steve Uzu, Christopher Ani Nwanamene, Odo Nwaogbuebo and Christian Igwe. Also attacked were Mrs. Helen Ogbu, Patrick Ede and Fredrick Ede.

The elders toldNewsextra that many prominent indigenes have fled the town, following threats by the group. Among them are the Special Assistant to Chime on Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation, Mr. Paul Nnajiofor, Chief Agbowo Ede, Vincent Nnajieze and Chikezie Aga.

Worried by the ugly development, the community leaders have petitioned the governor and the commissioner of police. They wondered why some people with selfish interest, could hold the entire community to ransom, supporting killings and kidnappings in the otherwise peaceful town.

In their petition to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Zarewa, the community told him that "this group of suspected bandits and criminals have, at various times, armed themselves with guns, machetes, broken bottles and other dangerous weapons, snatching mobile phones, money, motorcycles and other valuables. They have also caused serious tension, moments of insecurity and created fear among the law-abiding and innocent indigenes of Owo town."

The community listed 11 members who they suspected to be behind the atrocities. They, therefore, urged the police boss "to use his good offices to save our lives and those of others before we are killed, by launching massive raids, arrests and prosecuting the above listed group of ‘bad boys’ in Owo town for peace to reign."

The Police confirmed receiving the petition. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, a number of arrests have been effected regarding the Owo community. More arrests are likely to be made as the investigation goes on, he assured.The Special Assistant to Chime on Public Enlightenment, Mr. Nnajiofor, who described the situation as most disturbing, called on the people of Owo town to eschew violence and embrace peace, noting that without peace, there would be no meaningful development and progress in any community.

He also called on those engaged in carrying arms, kidnappings and killings of law-abiding citizens to drop their arms and embrace peace and dialogue.

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