Onitsha traders under the Association of Modebe Tenants have appealed to the Inspector-General of Policr, IGP, to intervene in alleged attacks, destruction of properties and threats to their lives.
The traders made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja where they accused some police officers of allegedly failing to protect them during the attacks.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its Trustees Chairman, Chief Okey Muojekwu, alleged that former chairman of the association, Obiora Okoro, worked with some senior police officers at the local Area Command to intimidate members.
The traders claimed that armed men invaded their business premises and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
They also alleged that the attackers fired gunshots to scare traders and passers-by, while some members were assaulted with machetes, guns and other dangerous weapons.
At the briefing, the association displayed photographs showing injuries which members said they sustained during the alleged attacks.
The traders said the incident had caused significant financial losses, disrupted their businesses and left many members struggling to earn a living.
They further alleged that threats to their lives had continued since the incident, raising concerns about their safety.
The association expressed disappointment that previous petitions submitted to the IGP’s office had not produced the desired results.
The traders are now calling on the IGP to investigate the allegations and take action against any police officers found to have aided or protected those responsible for the attacks.
They also want the police to help restore their access to the disputed land, which they said was legally leased to the association for 50 years.
The association further demanded the arrest and prosecution of Obiora Okoro and other persons allegedly involved in the incident.
The traders said an independent investigation by the police leadership was necessary to address their concerns, protect their lives and resolve the dispute over the property.
The Abuja-based Civil Society Intervention Coalition facilitated the press conference to provide the traders with an opportunity to present their grievances and seek intervention from the police authorities.
