Residents of Iyiowa community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday protested recent destruction of over 30 vehicles and ten buildings by hired thugs in the area.
The protesters under the umbrella of Iyiowa Community Landlords/Residents Association also accused the community leadership of harassment, extortion and illegal revenue on house owners, market women and other business
The aggrieved residents who stormed the government house with placards with varying inscriptions, called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene in the crisis to to forestall looming disaster.
Some of the placards read, “Reacue us from our oppressors”, “Barrow pushers, vegetables sellers pay toll in Iyiowa”, “Solution please help us”, “Odekpe is a very hostile community, we’re under siege of illegal and multiple taxation”, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Dr. Okolie Chukwunonso Princewill their decision to take the protest to the government because of the confidence they have on the governor to intervene in the matter.
He said, “After purchasing the land from the owners, most of us who are from different states developed the land. But over time, the same people were coming to collect illegal revenues from us.
“We have over 10,000 shops in the layout, and we pay ₦10,000 quarterly for each stall. The same goes for petty traders. You want to do anything in your house, you’ll pay them.
“We have evidence of receipts of these payments. Refusal to pay attracks punishment, including attack and destruction of property. The work in connivance with community leaders.
“Just two weeks ago, because of the resistance we’re giving them, over 400 youths stormed the estate, led by the President General and destroyed over 10 buildings and 30 cars and inflicted injuries on some of us.
“We have the evidences here. We’ve reported to the Police and Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs, but not satisfied with their responses.
“We’ve been trying to engage them in dialogue on why they should stop the illegalities and review them. We’re here to seek government intervention because we don’t want to retaliate.
“We left our businesses to be here because we have confidence in the governor. We plead government looks into it before it becomes late.
Responding, Chief of staff to the governor, Ernest Ezeajughi appreciated the protesters for their civility in expressing their grievances.
He said, “Thank you for your civility in expressing your grievances. That’s encouraging. The government condemns harrasement and intimation in its entirety. It’s not in our culture. We insist on law and order.
“We’ve seen all the pictures and videos showing various damages. But we encourage you to continue to be peaceful and be patient with us.
“It’s strange to hear you pay to plaster and paint your own house. We’re also surprised to hear even market women pay all manner of levies, despite government’s ban on levies. We’ll invite the PG, Barr Innocent Nwanosike.”
