Anambra communal crisis: Youths attack, disarm policemen

Youths in the community allegedly working for one of the faction leaders Chuma Chukwurah attacked and disarmed policemen at a checkpoint.

They reportedly made away with AK 47 rifle belonging to the policemen.

Residents in the community alleged the group was involved in illegal sale of community lands and major disturbances.

Chukwurah, who claimed to have been appointed as Chairman of the Interim Management Committee by the community, alleged hoodlums terrorising the community were sponsored by the factional Executives of the Town Union Government led by Hon. Raphael Nnabuife.

Nnabuife is also the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili North Council Area.

Chukwurah accused the council boss of refusing to vacate or conduct fresh election after expiration of his tenure.

The development, he claimed, led to his appointment as interim chairman to manage affairs of the town union until new leaders were elected.

According to him, "their tenure has expired but because of the money they were collecting without accountability, they are frustrating all genuine efforts to resolve the crisis".

Chukwurah maintained that the Nnabuife’s group was using government resources and connections to exploit the resources.

He accused the state government of bias, saying ‘’it has been supporting one group for obvious selfish reasons".

Nnabuife said the incident was not connected with the squabble in the community.

He stated, ‘’that incident has nothing to do with Nkpor issue. Please do not allow mischief makers to misinform you".

He maintained the Chukwurah’s group neither enjoyed government authorisation nor the people’s support.

Nnabuife described them as a "set of jobless youths exploring illegal avenues to eke out a living".

Tensions were high yesterday that the police and army were preparing a final onslaught against youths of the community for daring to snatch police rifle.

Efforts to get leader of the other faction in the community Chief Chuma Chukwurah for more insight on the crisis proved abortive.

Calls and SMS to his mobile phone were unanswered.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka said he had not received details of the incident.

He said efforts will be intensified to address the issue amicably.