There are tensions at Gariki cattle market/settlement in Lokpanta, Umunneochi LGA of Abia State following a 7-day quit notice handed down by youths of Isuochi on Wednesday.
Recall that during a protest by youths of Isuochi over the recent kidnapping of Methodist Prelate Samuel Uche and two others, they demanded the removal of a military checkpoint at Lomara junction in Isuochi and also called for closure of Lokpanta cattle market in 7 days time.
The Isuochi youths who were about more than 400 in number, first stormed the Umunneochi LGA secretariat at Nkwoagu to register their protest.
From Nkwoagu, they proceeded to an Army checkpoint at Lamora Isuochi junction, where they alleged that the military personnel stationed there, of not doing anything to stop nefarious activities of Fulani herdsmen and other criminals operating in bushes near the checkpoint
Led by Devine Uche during the protest, the youths later matched to Leru junction along Enugu-Port express way and blocked the federal highway, preventing all vehicular movements for more than two hours.
Some vehicles owners managed to reverse back and a few others in tune with the terrain used Okigwe roads to connect to Owerri, Mbano and Arondizuogu.
But all vehicles coming from the Enugu end of the expressway were completely trapped as they could not negotiate to any other route.
The youths who chanted songs and held placards, demanded immediate dismantling of Army checkpoint at Lomara as according to them, the soldiers’ presence was irrelevant to them.
The youths who further alleged that criminals who operated from Lokpanta cattle market, popularly known as Gariki were responsible for for untold evils in Umunneochi bushes, told Abia State government to demolish the cattle market within seven days or expect their reaction.
Meanwhile, an Umuahia based Lawyer; Chief Mike Ndu has condemned the reported plans by the Nigerian Army to invite the recently released Methodist Prelate, Samuel Kanu-Uche for questioning.
Chief Ndu who reacted to the statement by Director of Army Public Relations Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu would invite the Prelate to explain how he was kidnapped, and how he paid a ransom in less than 24 hours without reporting to an Army unit covering the area of the kidnapping, urged the Nigerian Army to thoroughly investigate the narration of the Methodist Prelate before coming into conclusion.
The Lawyer advised that the claims by Prelate Uche should not be swept under the carpets or trivialised.
Brig -Gen Onyema had in a statement on Monday, denied the the reports that soldiers were complicit in kidnapping activities going on in Umunneochi area.
According to the Army Spokesman, “the insinuation that troops are complicit in the kidnap incident is not entirely premised on any findings of investigations and therefore, cannot be swallowed hook, line and sinker.”
Gen Onyema also asked, “Was the issue reported to the unit covering the area? Did the Methodist Church take the NA into confidence while negotiating with the kidnappers?”
He went on, “More worrisome is that it was alleged that the ransom was paid in less than 24 hours . Was the ransom paid to troops? These are the questions that beg for answers.”
Nigerian Army maintained that the the issue was neither reported to it by the Bishop nor Methodist Church.
Lokpanta market in Umuchieze, Umunneochi is the largest cattle market in Abia and also serves as a settlement for inhabitants and traders of Northern extraction, especially Hausa/ Fulanis.
