By Chidinma Igwe
Families of Ezi Agabi in Amangballa, Afikpo, Ebonyi State have petitioned the police over activities of some people within their community who they alleged have been terrorising them and grabbing their land.
In the petition by Alu Matthew Okpani, Irem Ogudu, Egwu Lawrence Uchenna, Chukwu Ndubuisi and Egwu Innocent Kelechi on behalf of concerned families of Ezi Agabi, Amangballa, Afikpo, accused the culprits of threat to their lives and land grabbing.
The suspects listed in the petition are:Eluu Irem Franklyn, Ifeanyichukwu Eme Otuu, Victor Okpani Eze, Mr. Smart Agha Oko, and others .
The petition was addressed to Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, Headquarter, Umuahia, Abia State.
The petition read in part, “On behalf of the concerned families of Ezi Agabi in Amangballa, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, we write to bring to your esteemed attention the reckless and criminal activities being perpetrated by certain individuals in our community.
These individuals include, but are not limited to, Eluu Irem Franklyn, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Eme Otuu, Mr. Victor Okpani Eze, Mr. Smart Agha Oko, and others who identify themselves as ‘Essa-nwo-ali.’
“These individuals have consistently encroached upon land that belongs to our forefathers and other communal parcels of land in Ezi Agabi.
“Despite having no legal rights to these lands, they have unlawfully sold portions of these properties to unsuspecting buyers, thereby violating the property rights of our families and community.
“What is even more alarming is that these individuals have resorted to threats of violence, including threats to kill anyone who dares to resist or question their illegal activities.
Their actions have subjected the families of Ezi Agabi and other community members to perpetual suffering, fear, and imminent danger.
“Our community has repeatedly tried to resolve this matter amicably, but these individuals remain adamant and continue their criminal acts with impunity”.