Anambra State to a standstill following alleged plan by the Federal
Government to transfer suspected Boko Haram prisoners to Ekwulobia
Prison in Aguata local government area of the state.
Thousands of the youths blocked major roads in the state, including
the Head Bridge and the Enugu Onitsha expressway in Onitsha, as well
as the popular Zik Avenue in Awka, causing traffic gridlock for
several hours.
Though the protest was peaceful, policemen in Onitsha were later seen
firing teargas canisters to disperse the protesters. The security
operatives, later joined by soldiers stationed at the Uga junction on
Atani Road, were also seen removing the barricades used by the youths
to block the roads.
PHOTO: Youths protesting alleged planned relocationn of Boko Haram
prisoners to Anambra State in Onitsha yesterday.
In all the cities in the state, the youths waved placards with
inscriptions that read, "We don't want Boko Haram prisoners in
Anambra"; "Buhari, Igbos will not accept your prisoners"; "Anambra is
special and secured"; "Anambra is not a party to terrorists and should
not be involved in it"; "We say no to Boko Haram people in Anambra"
and "Buhari, why Anambra".
At the Ekwulobia Prison, which was named as the likely new abode for
the Boko Haram prisoners, there was nothing on ground to show that a
large number of inmates were brought in there. Some officials of the
prison however said that they heard a rumour that some prisoners from
the northern part of the country would be brought there.
According to them, "there was nothing on ground to show that new
inmates were being expected as the situation here has not changed."
President General of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association,
AMATAS, Dr. Okwudili Ezenwankwo, who addressed reporters in Onitsha,
said they had from a very reliable source that plans had been
concluded to bring suspected Boko Haram prisoners to the state, adding
that they would do everything within their power to resist it.
Pressed to say how they got information that such prisoners were to be
brought to the state, Ezenwankwo said: "We have our ears on ground and
that is the much we can say for now. We were informed that federal
government wants to transfer the Boko Haram to Anambra State and this
is unacceptable to us.
"If you visit the Ekwulobia Prison, you will discover that something
is going on there. We are not against President Muhammadu Buhari, but
we want him to keep these special prisoners where they belong.
"We know our president is a good man and he will not do anything that
will cause insecurity in this part of the country to add to the
existing one caused by Boko Haram insurgents. Anambra is peaceful and
we don't want Boko Haram to come and cause confusion."
According to Ezenwankwo, Anambra traders have already brought the
matter to the attention of Governor Willie Obiano, adding that the
governor was mandated by the traders to take their protest over the
matter to President Buhari.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Uche Eze,
said the situation was properly handled because the police was on top
of the situation.
—Vanguard
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