GUNMEN-MILITARY CLASHES: AGULU RESIDENTS BEG GOVT TO RELOCATE ARMY CHECKPOINT
REPORTER: NDU NWANNAH
The people of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, have appealed to the Federal Government and military authorities to urgently relocate the Army Checkpoint in the heart of the community to a more convenient environment.
They made the appeal, following incessant clashes between the Army and Unknown Gunmen, which have left several citizens injured or killed in the past months.
One of the victims of the attacks on the military security formation on the Awka-Agulu-Ekwulobia Road was 25 year old, Mrs. Onyinye Lilian Nwabuike, who was billed to hold her traditional marriage and wedding on Saturday, May 15, 2022.
She was hit by bullets during the attack by the Gunmen on the Army Checkpoint in Agulu on April 30, while working in her office close to the scene of the incident.
The young woman died due to complications, while she was being treated at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
Speaking on the situation, the President General of Agulu People’s Union, Chief Oliver Afamefuna, said the attack occurred while they were having a sensitization on voter registration at their community Hall.
Chief Afamefuna explained that the location of the security post was creating serious challenges to the citizens, hence their demand for its relocation.
A stakeholder in the community, Chief Dan Ogbuefi, stressed that the checkpoint was positioned in a densely populated area with heavy economic activities.
Also, the Youth Leader in the community, Comrade Ejike Okoye, noted that the death of Onyinye was painful and called for immediate action to relocate the security post.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of Agulu People’s Union, Mr. Chinazo Onwuazombe, informed that the community had previously called for its relocation to address the challenges it posed to residents.
During a holy mass to commit the deceased to mother earth, the Reverend Father Donatus Esiegbue of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Agulu, while condoling with her family, described the incident as unfortunate.
A brother in-law of the deceased, Mr. Sopuluchukwu Nwabuike, who was filled with emotions and pains, urged the authorities to do the needful to guard against a repeat of the ugly incident.
