The Abia State Police Command has apprehended four individuals in connection with an attempt to demolish the property of a widow, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ndukwe.
Background of the Incident
Obinna Ndukwe, the widow's son, had previously raised an alarm that ten men stormed his mother's property at No. 62 Mission Hill, Umuahia, Abia State. The men were reportedly removing windows and roofing sheets from the building in preparation for demolition. Police arrived at the scene and arrested four of the suspects, while the others fled.
Police Confirmation
Confirming the arrest, the command's Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, stated that the incident stems from a long-standing property dispute currently under investigation by the FCID. According to Chinaka, one party in the dispute mobilized community youths to remove roofing sheets from the disputed property in an attempt to take possession unlawfully.
She added: "Subsequently, the youths, after carrying out his instruction, attempted to remove roofing sheets from other properties not connected to the dispute and were apprehended by the police."
Police Advisory
The police have advised all parties involved in the property dispute to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. They urged them to maintain peace and allow the case at the FCID to proceed without interference. The investigation is ongoing.
Victim's Account
Obinna Ndukwe had alerted authorities to the destruction of their family house by hired thugs. He expressed fear for their safety, stating: "The thugs could have killed any of us if we had ventured to come out to challenge them." He also noted that the suspects have been harassing and threatening their lives, appealing to the police to arrest the fleeing thugs to prevent further danger.
He cautioned the other party to the dispute to adhere to police advice, maintain peace, and await the outcome of the investigation.
