Abia Women Protest Against Youth Arrests by Security Agents

On Tuesday, women from the Eziama Nneato community in Umunneochi Local Government Area, Abia State, protested against the indiscriminate arrests of local youths by security personnel. The protest involved barricading the Abia State Government House and carrying placards.

Madam Janeth Nwankwo, a community leader, expressed concerns over the frequent arrests, linking them to a longstanding land dispute with neighboring communities currently under appeal in Owerri. Among those arrested were community members including Christian Obidik, Chidiebub Alaebo, Oliv Maduwugwu, and Chibuzor Nwafor.

Simon Ndubuisi, a community leader, was recently released after spending two weeks in police custody. Nwankwo noted that some husbands of the arrested youths were forced to hide in bushes due to fear.

The women appealed to Governor Alex Otti for intervention, emphasizing the need for peace and urging the government to investigate the matter. Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, assured the women that the state government would look into their complaints and work towards an amicable resolution.