Ekwulobia Boils in Protest as Boko Haram Prisoners Arrives the Town

 Anambra traditional rulers, clerics and traders in Ekwulobia , Aguata Local Government  of the state on Tuesday took to the streets, protesting the transfer of  some Boko Haram suspects to a prison in the area.

As early as 7.30am the placard carrying protesters had taken to major roads and streets in the area to register their grievances.

 Social and economic activities were paralyzed as shops and markets were under lock.

 Addressing newsmen,  the chairman of Aguata Local government area, Mr.Tony Umeoji said the transfer of the Boko Haram prisoners to  the place was politically motivated and an attempt to disrupt the development of the South East from Anambra State.

 He said “I must tell you that this development will chase away intending investors to Anambra State thereby setting back the wheel of progress of the state”

‘It is a situation that calls for concern because of the apprehension and restiveness among the people of Ekwulobia and the state in general. The people are scared and there is a general sense of insecurity in this place now”.

‘The Ekwulobia prison has a minimum capacity and facility for such high profile  inmates. The prison is 80 bedded and there are already 133 inmates and you are adding another 43 in mates of the Boko Haram prisoners. That is too much and not healthy for human being”, he said.

A lawmaker representing Aguata II Constituency, Mr. Ikem Uzezie appealed to the authorities concerned especially President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency relocate the Boko Haram inmates to a prison with maximum capacity and facility.

Uzoezie said “The development calls for concern because the relative peace we have been enjoying will be interrupted".

He said the state House of Assembly when reconvened would deliberate on the matter with a view to prevailing on the Federal government to redress the situation.