The elders “OHA” of Owere “Nchi Ise” in Imo state on Friday visited the grave side of the founding fathers of Owere Ekwem Arugo of the 14th century, calling on the ancestors of the land to rise against any “inhumanity” against the people of Owerri by the state government led by Chief Rochas Okorocha.
The elders who gathered to mourn the victims who were killed in the Eke Ukwu Owerri market demolition – assured the people of Owerri zone that all legal means and right steps will be taken to ensure that justice prevails as they poured libel and engaged in traditional rites at the graveside.
They resolved that Eke Ukwu Owerri must stay and can not be relocated whether governor Rochas Okorocha likes it or not.
The meeting was attended by the following:
Frank Nneji
Ambassador Kema Chikwe
Senator Bright Nwanne
Sir Ambrose Ejiogu
Hon Engr Dan lkpeazu
Hon Nnaemeka Maduagwu
Hon Henry Onwukwe
Hon Ray Emeaena
Hon Innocent Ekenma
Hon Kelechi Ajoku
Chief Vitals Ajumbe
Barr Kingsley Ononuju
Chief Owaya among others.
It would be recalled that last week, at least three people were killed on Saturday in a protest by Owerri natives following the demolition of the Eke Onunwa market by the state government.
The situation escalated when one of the protesters, a young man, was hit and killed by a stray bullet fired by security operatives deployed to maintain order which ensued after the demolition.
Following the death of the protester, Owerri natives proceeded to set fire to the property belonging to some residents. This led to a fight between the residents and those protesters resulting in the death of two others.
Governor Rochas visited the scene with security operatives!