2 killed, over 20 injured in Onitsha

Two people were feared killed while about 20 others were seriously injured on Thursday when some youths  allegedly  from Obosi invaded the Central Motor Park, along the  Onitsha – Owerri Expressway and attacked people .

The youth, numbering about  100,  first descended on the agents of Lutas Collections, who manage the park.

The manager of the park, Mr. Ifeanyi Okafor, narrowly escaped death in the hands of the youth, who arrived with dane guns, machetes and axes  and  forcibly collected  money from motorists.

Some of the wounded victims  were said to have been rushed to  the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Orlu Teaching Hospital and Anambra State University Teaching Hospital,  Awka.

Okafor said  he was in the park directing his workers  when he noticed    some youths  beating and hitting people with   dangerous weapons .

He urged the Anambra State Government to   come to their aid as the menace of  hoodlums  had  become  unbearable.

He said  the arrival of   policemen who also helped to take some of the victims to the hospitals prevented the situation from worsening.

He said it was only in Anambra State that groups would illegally collect money due government, an act, he said must stop if the state must move ahead.

He warned that people should not take the peaceful nature of Governor Peter Obi for cowardice.

He called on the security agencies in the state to pay attention to government facilities in the state and protect the people working in such places to avoid blood shed.

Former Special Adviser to Governor Peter Obi  on Markets and Parks, Chief Sylva Nwobu-Alor, condemned the   the  youths  for always  invading  the park.

The Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Emeka Ugwu, said  he had deployed his men to take control of the situation at the park.


Culled from Punch