About 300 women from the Ozu Abam community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State have staged a peaceful protest at the Abia State Government House and the State House of Assembly, Umuahia, against attacks by their neighbors, Ndi Okorie Abam.
The attacks, the women alleged, have resulted in the death of their son, one Chinedu, who was allegedly killed by attackers from Ndi Okorie Abam while he was harvesting his farm fruits.
It has also allegedly led to the destruction of farms belonging to the people of Ozu Abam.
The women said that some Ozu Abam indigenes were kidnapped, while some of those who managed to escape the attacks were hospitalized at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia.
Led in the protest by Mrs Uche Egbuta, the women who were dressed in black attire, alleged that their community was under regular attack from their neighbors of Ndi Okorie Abam who ambushed and attacked them using dangerous weapons.
She demanded the immediate intervention of the Abia State government, saying that they did not want to resort to retaliation, hence they embarked on the peaceful protest.
She said that the land dispute had claimed many lives of Ozu Abam indigines in the past.
Abia State government while responding through the Secretary to the State government (SSG) Professor Keneth Kalu, said that it would take every necessary measure to bring the land dispute to an end.
Also, the member representing Arochukwu constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Uchenna Okoro said he had made several efforts to bring a lasting peace to the crises and appealed for calm in the areas.
Peoplesmind
