June 14, 2025
MAGIC FM News
Residents of Umuohu Okpula in Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area, have issued an urgent plea to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Alex Otti, and the Inspector General of Police to address alleged incessant intimidation and harassment by security operatives, particularly members of "Operation Crush," in their community.
In a press briefing, the community chairman, Mr. Okwudiri Mbachu, accused personnel from the Central Police Station (CPS) in Umuahia of engaging in mass arrests, breaking into homes, and destroying property. Mbachu claimed the harassment stems from a petition by one Chigozie Ohabuiro, alias Dozie Way, over a disputed purchase of community land—a sandfield portion along the Ehimiri River on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road.
Mbachu alleged that some individuals sold the land to Ohabuiro without the community's collective approval, sparking opposition and a legal battle currently before the Umuahia High Court. He questioned why security agents, including police and army personnel, are intimidating residents and damaging homes over a matter under judicial review, warning that such actions could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The community secretary, Mr. Obinna Onyebuchi, expressed concern that unchecked actions by Operation Crush could disrupt the peace in Umuohu Okpula. He urged Governor Otti to intervene urgently to prevent escalation.
In a disturbing incident, Mbachu reported that during a recent operation, security operatives allegedly kicked an eleven-year-old boy in the stomach and destroyed household furniture, further heightening tensions.
The community has called on the state government and the Abia State Commissioner of Police to investigate and halt the alleged abuses to restore calm and uphold justice.
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