In a defiant display, residents of Iyiowa Odekpe town in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State took to the streets, voicing their outrage at the wanton destruction of their properties by indigenes of the town. The root cause of this conflict stems from the residents’ refusal to succumb to unjust taxation demands.
During the peaceful protest held at the Anambra State Government House, Dr. Tony Chukwunoso Princewill, the leader of the protestors, highlighted the plight faced by the non-indigenous residents. They asserted that despite their investment in the community, they are subjected to harassment and extortion by the local inhabitants.
Dr. Princewill revealed the extent of the devastation, citing the destruction of numerous buildings, vehicles, shops, and merchandise amounting to millions of Naira. Additionally, the hoodlums responsible for the violence inflicted bodily harm on several residents during their rampage.
According to Dr. Princewill, the conflict was ignited by the residents’ refusal to acquiesce to exorbitant levies imposed on them. He emphasized that they are coerced into paying mandatory levies of N10,000 per store on a quarterly basis, further lamenting that they are compelled to part with additional funds for any construction or activity within their own properties.
Despite lodging complaints with the police authorities and the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Matters, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the residents feel neglected as no concrete action has been taken to address their grievances.
Amidst the turmoil, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo denounced the deplorable incident, issuing a stern directive for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice. Assuring the protesters of the government’s intervention, Governor Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, pledged to address and resolve the escalating tensions.
