The passage narrates the plight of women from Ozu Abam community in Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, who are seeking intervention from the state government and the Abia State House of Assembly due to ongoing conflicts with their neighboring community, Ndi Okorie Abam, over boundary and farmland disputes.
The women claim that Ndi Okorie Abam attacked Ozu Abam residents who were harvesting palm fruits, resulting in the death of one person, the kidnapping of others, and injuries to several individuals. The leader of the women, Egbutu Uche, expressed concern about the recurring violence, citing a similar incident in 1997 where one of their sons was killed, but no intervention occurred.
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The chairman of Ozu Abam Development Union, Udo Ukpabi Olake, emphasized that the boundary issue and harassment by Ndi Okorie Abam have persisted over the years. He recounted the recent attack on their people during palm fruit harvesting, which led to the death of Chinedu Edozie. Despite the provocation, Olake stated that Ozu Abam residents chose not to retaliate and sought the government’s intervention to restore peace.
The Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kalu, acknowledged their peaceful approach and assured the women that the state government would promptly investigate the matter. At the State House of Assembly, the House of Assembly Liaison Officer, Lukeman Ukara, thanked the women for their peaceful protest and assured them that the state government would address the issue.
Uchenna Okoro, the member representing Arochukwu and the Majority Leader at the state House of Assembly, mentioned the actions he had taken and pleaded with the Ozu Abam community to allow the state government to intervene in the situation.
In summary, the passage highlights the urgent appeal from Ozu Abam community for government intervention in the face of ongoing violence and conflicts with their neighboring community, Ndi Okorie Abam, over boundary and farmland issues.
