On Monday, residents of Obeagu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State took to the streets to protest what they describe as ongoing harassment, persecution, and arbitrary arrests of community members by officers from Awgu Divisional Command.
The protesters are appealing for intervention from Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the Inspector General of Police.
During the demonstration, villagers held up placards with messages such as “End Police Brutality”, “DPO Awgu Cease the Harassment”, and “CP/IGP: Hold Awgu DPO Accountable”.
Addressing reporters, Ogbuefi Callistus Ojogbu, the President General of the community, alleged that the police, who are tasked with safeguarding citizens and their property, have taken sides in a land dispute and resorted to terrorizing law-abiding residents.
According to Ojogbu, officers from the Awgu police division entered the community and demolished a structure on a disputed land, apprehending men, and mistreating women and children in the process.
He called for a thorough probe into the conduct of the implicated officers and urged the authorities to ensure justice prevails.
Emphasizing the community’s resolve against such injustices, he vowed to pursue their rights through peaceful means.
Likewise, Ogbuefi Nnanyelugo Dennis, the Secretary of Igwe in Council, asserted the community’s peaceful and law-abiding nature, demanding fair treatment on their own land.
Further detailing the grievances, women leader Mrs. Janet Aniokete recounted an incident where a widow was allegedly sexually harassed during a police raid.
The community is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of three individuals detained at the Awgu Police Division.
Efforts to obtain a response from the police at the time of reporting were unsuccessful.