…Traditional Ruler Cries Out

By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA – Tension gripped Nimo Community in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State as youths shut down the town’s major market while protesting the death of their colleague, Ifeanyi Odibelu, shortly after his release from police detention over an alleged offence.

The protesting youths accused the traditional ruler of Nimo, His Royal Highness, Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, of being responsible for Odibelu’s arrest, which they claim led to his death. In a show of anger, the youths threatened to wreak havoc in the area, forcing traders and customers to flee the market.

The shutdown of the town’s market during the protest was described as sacrilegious, even by some supporters of the youth movement.

Reacting to the incident, Igwe Oliobi expressed concern over the actions of the youths and called on security agencies to intervene and restore order. According to him, the community had been overtaken by criminal elements, allegedly sponsored by individuals with selfish interests.

During a press briefing at his palace, the monarch accused a handful of “criminally minded youths” of holding the town hostage, disrupting peace, and destroying the town’s core values. He urged community members and the public to disregard the accusations against him, insisting he had no involvement in Odibelu’s death.

Igwe Oliobi called on security agencies, particularly the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the newly inaugurated state security outfits, Udo Ga Achi/Agunechembra operatives, to launch a proper investigation to uncover the real cause of Odibelu’s death.

He stated: “I am innocent of the allegation leveled against me. This gang of youths is protesting against my throne for waging war against kidnapping, armed robbery, and for not welcoming land-grabbing activities in the community.”

The monarch further alleged that the protesting youths, including the late Odibelu, were responsible for bringing “unknown gunmen” to occupy the area between Nimo and Neni, using it as a base for kidnapping activities.

He accused the protesters of disrupting the peace, unity, and development of Nimo, claiming their actions were motivated by selfish interests rather than genuine community concerns. He added that under his leadership, the community had done everything possible to engage these youths productively, including enrolling them in various skill acquisition programs, such as those at Innoson Manufacturing Company in Nnewi and the One Youth Two Skills empowerment program of the state government.

However, he lamented that the youths had refused to participate in these opportunities, instead choosing land grabbing and other illegal activities for quick money.

“This set of youths holding the community to ransom are not more than 30 in number. For the past three years, their criminal activities have thrown the community into chaos and disunity,” he said.

The monarch highlighted his efforts in community development during his eight years on the throne, noting the establishment of a rulership scholarship scheme that sponsors 14 indigent students to study Medicine and Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

“I was called to serve my people of Nimo because of my long-time contributions to the development of the community. My eight years on the throne have recorded massive transformation across the four corners of the town,” he remarked.

Igwe Oliobi called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and Agunechemba to urgently deploy personnel to Nimo to restore peace and apprehend the “hoodlums” responsible for the unrest.