Imo Community Seeks Government Intervention Over Alleged Security Brutality

The Udo Peoples Assembly has appealed for government intervention after what its president-general described as a series of security incidents that have heightened fear and tension in the community.

Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Collins Onyewuchi urged relevant authorities to investigate alleged excessive use of force and infringements of residents’ rights. He also called on security agencies to show restraint and follow established rules of engagement when responding to disputes in Udo Autonomous Community, in Ezinihite Local Government Area of Imo State.

At the centre of the dispute is the process for selecting and recognising a traditional ruler after the former ruler died and was buried in 2020. Onyewuchi said the community constitution sets out which village should produce the traditional ruler before candidates emerge. Disagreements followed, he said, after the state government presented a staff of office to one contender.

The UPA wrote to the governor and, after receiving no response, went to court for clarification on the applicable process. Onyewuchi stressed that the case remains before the court, with the relevant government parties represented. He appealed to all sides to allow the judicial process to continue rather than subject residents to intimidation or excessive force.

He alleged that the latest major incident occurred on August 10, while women were preparing for their annual August meeting. According to Onyewuchi, “a group of persons arrived at Umunnore village during a prayer gathering and attempted to disrupt the activity.” He said an altercation followed and a firearm was discharged. Security personnel later entered parts of the community and arrested about eight youths, he alleged, while some residents were assaulted and needed medical treatment. The youths were eventually released on August 13.

Onyewuchi said the incident disrupted the women’s planned three-day programme. He also raised concerns about property allegedly taken during the operation. Some items had been returned, he said, but residents had not recovered certain phones and a laptop. He urged the police and other security agencies to investigate what happened, warning that reports and messages circulating on social media could further escalate tensions.

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A group of persons arrived at Umunnore village during a prayer gathering and attempted to disrupt the activity.