From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The former President General (PG) of Obiofia, Nnewichi-Nnewi, Chief Mike Ibe Okonkwo said that he escaped being assassinated recently over a land matter that was settled a long time ago when his father was alive.
Chief Ibe Okonkwo who spoke with journalists from hiding alleged that on April 9th, 2024, his properties running into hundred million Naira was maliciously destroyed by Christian Eme Echendu and Uchenna Echendu and some other persons.
“I have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abuja over the matter, the need to do this has become imperative because my assailants appear to have the police authorities in Anambra State at their beck and call.
“My father actually sued members of Echendu family including Christian and Uchenna in a Suit No: HN/212/95 in the case Christopher Ibe Okonkwo Vrs Muoghalu Ofokaja Echendu & Others.
“Judgement was delivered in favour of my father at Nnewi High Court, of course the suit was in respect of large parcel of land. They later filed appeal at Court of Appeal which was struck out.
“The persons I mentioned have been disturbing me but I always believe in the sanctity of the rule of law until the worst was done on 9th April, 2024 when my properties which worth one hundred million Naira was maliciously damaged,” he explained.
He said he decided to instruct his legal team to send a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) because his opponents have gone to all the police formations in the state with spurious allegations which are always thrown out whenever he presents his defense.
“They have gone to Zone 13, Ukpo, went to Area Command Nnewi, the latest now is State CID Awka where an unknown caller is threatening me on phone.
“I decided to go into hiding because I was advised by family and friends that whoever has the heart to recklessly destroy my properties of that magnitude will not hesitate to eliminate me. I must however state that the slow movement of a tiger is not out of timidity or cowardice,” Chief Ibe Okonkwo stressed.
The Nnewi community leader who said that he has asked his lawyer, Barr Ike Obeta to institute legal actions over the matter pointed out that he has not been feeling safe and secure since his properties were destroyed.
He appealed to the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district in National Assembly, Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, Hon Peter Uzokwe, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo LGAs in the House of Representatives as well as Hon Sir Ike Udoji member representing Nnewi North in the Anambra State House of Assembly to look into the matter.
“I appeal to Igwe Nnewi, Igwe Dr KON Orizu 111, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Obi Nnewichi-Nnewi, Director, Directorate of DSS, and other stakeholders to take note of the criminalities going on at Obiofia, Nnewichi-Nnewi,” he stressed.
All attempts to get the police angle of the matter did not yield any positive dividend as our reporter was directed by a senior officer at Area Command Nnewi who pleaded for anonymity to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ikechukwu Ikenga (SP) who could not be reached on phone.