Palpable tension has engulfed the town of Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra Sate following alleged forceful acquisition of communal land and selling same to land speculators by some youths in the town.

The leadership of the community yesterday took the matter to the State Commissioner, of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, urging the state police command to look into the matter before it escalates into something ugly.

The community leaders, who were led on the visit by the President-General of the town union, Chief Ifeatu Uzowulu also complained that the youths have for some time terrorised the people in the area thereby making life difficult.

Uzowulu further explained that the youths have continued to intimidate, harass and beat up the owners of the land.

He said: “They are selling the lands to buyers who are mainly land grabbers and speculators from the commercial city of Onitsha.”

He however regretted that the youths were getting support from few prominent people and land buyers who sponsor them by providing them the fund to challenge the land owners even in court.

Uzowulu said that the development has led to many prominent people in Oba not passing the night in the community anymore but rather taking refuge in neighboring towns for fear of being attacked by the youths.

He informed the CP that their visit to the police headquarters received the blessing of the traditional ruler of Oba, Igwe Peter Ezenwa and requested the police to provide the people with adequate security.

The President General also argued that unless something was done urgently to deal with the situation, there might be total breakdown of law and order in Oba.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police commended the delegation for adopting peaceful approach to the issue, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

He assured them of adequate police protection in carrying out their legitimate duties.

The CP advised parents to always monitor the movement and activities of their children to ensure that they do not engage in unwholesome acts that might lead them to crime.

•Photo shows Anambra CP Hosea Karma.

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