BREAKING: Chaos Erupts in Anambra as Youths Rampage Over Controversial Election
In a turbulent turn of events, Anambra State witnessed a disturbing outbreak of violence as enraged youths wreaked havoc in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area. The unrest was triggered by a crisis surrounding local elections, leading to the destruction of several vehicles, buildings, and properties valued in millions.
The chaotic situation unfolded when the Landlords Association, consisting of non-indigenous residents, conducted an election to select their leaders, a decision that didn’t sit well with the indigenous population of the area. In response, the indigenes decided to assert their leadership and sponsored a candidate, conducting their own election one day prior to the landlords’ election.
As the landlords’ association members commenced their election at Creative Model School, the agitated youths descended on the scene, displacing residents, vandalizing chairs, tables, electoral materials, vehicles, buildings, and various other items. The landlords, determined to proceed with their election, relocated to a different location, where they successfully completed the process, ultimately declaring Sunday Obinze as the winner.
The newly elected President, Sunday Obinze, estimated the damage to exceed N30 million and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable for the destruction. He recounted the incident, which saw his house set ablaze, his car torched, windows and doors smashed, and a sum of N3.5 million intended for workers confiscated. He emphasized that the destruction encompassed property worth over N30 million, with one individual nearly losing their life and over 15 people sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
The Secretary, Okolie Chukwunonso, reported a break-in at his pharmacy and the theft of N4 million meant for POS business, in addition to the loss of his barbing equipment, shop provisions, and other items. He alleged that both the President General of Odekpe and the monarch were involved in the destruction, which resulted in residents fleeing the community.
In response to these accusations, the President General of Odekpe, Innocent Nwanosike, expressed his dismay at the unfortunate incident, emphasizing that such matters should have been resolved through legal or governmental channels instead of resorting to violence. He highlighted that the issue at hand pertained to an election dispute, specifically concerning the leadership of the landlords’ association.
Confirming the disturbing incident, the Anambra State Police spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, assured that law enforcement was actively addressing the situation.
