A youth leader in Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA) of Anambra State, Chidebe Ibeakuzie( aka Mighty), has been shot dead by security agents in an ensuing tussle over the ownership and control of a tricycle park near the military cantonment in Onitsha.
During the clash, two Obosi youths were reportedly abducted, others injured, while an unspecified number of Keke Operators and passerby sustained gunshot injuries.
The unrest stemmed from a heated dispute between the families of late Tochukwu Anyaoku, an Obosi native, and Edward Ibuzo, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency.
According to sources, the late Anyaoku had leased the tricycle park before his death last year, with his wife taking over its management after his demise.
However, Ibuzo allegedly laid claim to the land, sparking a bitter standoff.
Obosi youths accused Ibuzo of orchestrating the attack by engaging operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who they claim were responsible for the fatal shooting of Mighty.
In response, Ibuzo denied any involvement, stating via a WhatsApp call to journalists that he was in Germany at the time of the incident, while he also has a court judgement authorizing him to take over the park.
He alleged that DSS operatives had intervened after witnessing a suspected kidnapping, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
A prominent Obosi stakeholder, Omezie Chukwurah, also known as “Governor Obosi,” lamented the escalating violence, revealing that previous police interventions had led to another Obosi youth being shot in the head.
He further alleged that the operatives who killed Mighty arrived in vehicles linked to Ibuzo.
The traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, expressed concern over the potential resurgence of historical land disputes between Onitsha and Obosi if the situation is not handled properly.
Meanwhile, the President General of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), Chimezie Obi, refuted claims of a land dispute, insisting that the conflict was about an Onitsha man forcefully taking over a business belonging to an Obosi man.
He called for a thorough investigation by security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer( PPRO)SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was not aware of the incident.
The killing has heightened tensions in the area, with residents calling for swift government intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
Credit: The Sun