Youths Demand Justice After SASA Raid Turns Deadly
Youths of the Mgbakwu community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to order a comprehensive investigation into the death of Chinyeaka Ike, also known as Akidi, allegedly at the hands of operatives of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA). The incident has sparked outrage and protests among the youth, who insist that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
Background of the Incident
The raid by SASA operatives took place on April 30, targeting a suspected drug camp in Mgbakwu. During the operation, an altercation ensued, leading to the death of Chinyeaka Ike. The youths of the community, during a meeting on Monday, May 4, expressed their grief and anger over the incident, calling for a thorough probe.
SASA's Denial and Explanation
In a statement on Sunday, May 3, SASA, through its media aide Karen James, denied that its operatives shot the victim. According to SASA, the raid was intelligence-driven, and an undercover operative was attacked with a knife after being discovered. The agency claimed that the operative acted in self-defense, and that no gunshot wound was found on the body. SASA also stated that hard drugs were recovered from the scene.
Youths Reject SASA's Account
The youths of Mgbakwu have dismissed SASA's claims as baseless. Samuel Onyemaechi, a spokesperson for the youth, described Chinyeaka Ike as an easy-going young man not known for wrongdoing. He alleged that the killing was a gang-up orchestrated by enemies. The youths appealed to Governor Soludo and the Commissioner of Police to ensure justice, warning that they would not allow the matter to be ignored.
Community Questions SASA's Role
Isaac Ndubisi, a youth from the town, questioned why SASA was operating in an area with low crime rates and no illicit trade. Sunday Akwuo argued that drug enforcement is the responsibility of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), not SASA, and questioned the legality of SASA's actions. Another youth, who spoke anonymously, pleaded with Governor Soludo and the police commissioner to investigate, emphasizing that a human life was lost and the case must not be forgotten.
Related Incident: Police Clash with NYSC Member
In a separate incident, tension erupted in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after a video surfaced showing police officers allegedly confronting an NYSC member near Christ's School. The officers were said to have profiled the corps member over car ownership and attempted to stop him from recording the encounter.
