Motorists were on Wednesday stranded for several hours on the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway as youths of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State protested incessant kidnapping and killing by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in the community.
The protesting youths blocked the Leru axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway to pressure governments to act promptly.
They wore black attire to indicate grief over the incessant kidnapping and killing of their sons and daughters by armed men.
Part of the demands of the protesting youths includes: ”That the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA must rise up to his responsibilities or excuse himself immediately.
“The dismantling of the military checkpoint at Lomara roundabout in Umunneochi LGA after it has been alleged that they are providing cover for kidnappers of Fulani origin in surrounding forests.
“The immediate relocation of the cattle market at Lokpanta reported being a hideout for criminals who come there to spend their loot.”
They carried placards with various inscriptions such as: ”Enough is enough”; “Garki cattle market must go” and “Army should open Ihube/Isuochi road”, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the Council headquarters, Divine Uche, said the youths of Umunneochi would no longer tolerate continued harassment, torture, and Kidnappings for ransom by herdsmen in the area.
THE NATION
