Udo Community Seeks Government Action on Security Brutality

Collins Onyewuchi, the President-General of Udo Peoples Assembly (UPA) in Udo Autonomous Community, Ezinihite Local Government Area, Imo State, has appealed to government authorities to investigate alleged excessive use of force by security agencies against residents. This appeal follows a series of incidents that have heightened fear within the community, particularly related to the selection of a new traditional ruler after the death of the former ruler in 2020.

Onyewuchi stated that disagreements arose over the process of selecting the ruler, leading to the state government presenting a staff of office to one contender. After receiving no response from the governor regarding their concerns, the UPA sought court clarification on the matter, which remains pending.

A significant incident occurred on August 10, during preparations for the community's annual women's meeting, where security personnel allegedly disrupted a prayer gathering, leading to arrests and claims of assaults on residents. Onyewuchi urged the police to investigate these allegations and expressed concerns over social media messages that could escalate tensions.