Commercial Activities Grounded As Youths Protest In Abia

The protesting youths blocked the Leru axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway to pressure governments to act promptly.

They wore black attire to indicate grief over the incessant kidnapping and killing of their sons and daughters by armed men.

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Part of the demands of the protesting youths include:”That the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA must rise up to his responsibilities or excuse himself immediately.

“The dismantling of the military checkpoint at Lomara roundabout in Umunneochi LGA after it has been alleged that they are providing cover for kidnappers of Fulani origin in surrounding forests.

“The immediate relocation of the cattle market at Lokpanta reported to be a hideout for criminals who come there to spend their loot.”

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as:”Enough is enough”; “Garki cattle market must go” and “Army should open Ihube/Isuochi road”, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the Council headquarters, Divine Uche, said the youths of Umunneochi would no longer tolerate continued harassment, torture and Kidnappings for ransom by herdsmen in the area.

The youths accused security agents, especially the Army of not doing much to checkmate the murderous herdsmen on the prowl in the area.

They demanded immediate relocation of Lokpanta regional cattle market, which they alleged provides cover for the criminals.

The youths also demanded that the military checkpoint at Lomara junction be removed and the barricade by the soldiers blocking the Ihube/Isuochi road cleared without delay so that motorists will be plying the route again.

The youths vowed that if after seven days their demands were not met, they might be forced to take laws into their hands to protect their people against criminal herders on the prowl in the area.

A woman, Mrs Chetachi Obi-Nwoke, said that the locals live in fear of herdsmen who have been terrorising the people.

She challenged security agencies to rise to the occasion to avoid angry youths taking law into their hands.

The protests is coming few days after the Methodist Prelate, Samuel Kanu-Uche was kidnapped along the Umunneochi axis.