Community accuse police of mass arrest over clash with herdsmen

UMUAHIA—FOLLOWING Sunday’s bloody clash between herdsmen and natives of Umuobasiukwu community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State which left one person dead, the people of Umuobasiukwu have alleged that the police have embarked on mass arrest of their people. Secretary-General of Umuobasiukwu community, Chief Uwakwe Mbonu said in a telephone interview that the community is deserted as people have run away to beat the indiscriminate arrest by the police. Armed Fulani-herdsmen He alleged that no herdsmen has so far been arrested by the police. According to Mbonu, activities of the herdsmen have brought much hardship to the community, saying that the once food basket of the state was on the verge of severe famine. He said that the price of food stuffs such as garri that was very cheap before had skyrocketed following destruction of crops by the herdsmen. Mbonu said that police have besieged the community, adding “As I am talking to you now, a number Hilux Vans loaded with anti-riot policemen are stationed in our community.” Effort to get the reaction of the Police Commissioner, Mr. Leye Oyebade on the matter was not successful as calls placed to his line was picked by one of his aides, who said he was in a conference but that the CP would return the call. Also, the police public relations officer, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna did not picked his call. Meanwhile, Special Adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Police Affairs, Dr Ugochukwu Obi has appealed on traditional rulers in the state to ensure that the people live in peace with the herdsmen.