Community leaders in Ohafia, Abia State, have condemned the military siege on the community, saying that they do not know the identity of unknown gunmen wreaking havoc across the South-East.
Their traditional rulers and the leadership of the Ohafia Improvement Union accused Nigerian soldiers of harassing residents.
Their position was disclosed in a communique issued at the end of a security meeting at Udumeze Palace in Ohafia, the host community to 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
On Friday, unknown gunmen reportedly shot and injured two military operatives.
The community leaders urged the soldiers to go after those behind the attack rather than intimidating and harassing innocent people.
“We wish to state unequivocally that Ohafia residents are law-abiding citizens of Nigeria who deserve protection from law enforcement agencies instead of intimidation and harassment.
“We do not know any ‘unknown gunmen’ in Ohafia. The security agencies know the character and personality profiles of deviant elements in the community. They should devise the means of arresting such personalities rather than stigmatising all youths and residents of Ohafia,” they explained.
They accused the military of locking down the community, paralysing commercial and social activities.
“The siege at Amangwu Ohafia has turned the natives to internally displaced persons in their land. This situation has created fear and trepidation in other neighbouring Ohafia communities,” they pointed out in the communique.
They urged the army “to reconsider their strategies and tactics of maintaining peace and harmony in Ohafia without dehumanising and intimidating peace-loving persons in Ohafia land,” and called for an end to the siege on the community.
The communique was signed by Emmanuel Imaga, traditional ruler of Udumeze Ohafia, Emmanuel Onugu (Ezieogo Asaga), Mba Okereke (Ezieogo Akanu), Awa Nwankwo (Ezieogo Amaekpu) and Mmecha Mmecha (Ezeogo Amangwu).
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