By NWANOSIKE ONU, Awka

The disappearance of seven youth leaders in Okuzu Village, Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has heightened tension in the State

This is also as the arrest of four chiefs and invasion of the community by security operatives has instilled fears in residents

It was gathered Tuesday, that the youth leaders, whose whereabouts are still unknown, were those allegedly resisting the sale of the community’s lands.

It was equally gathered that the youth leaders had not been seen in the community since Easter Sunday.

A source, who spoke with The Nation Tuesday alleged that the youths were taken away by Policemen, who stormed the Community on the said date.

When contacted, the President General of Okuzu Village in Oba, Hon Ibeabuchi Ukadike, confirmed the incident.

He told The Nation that the area had become like a war zone, as security personnel had taken over the entire city, adding that his people were now living in fear.

Ukadike, further alleged that about four prominent men in the area (High Chiefs) were being hounded in the Village by security operatives including himself and Chief Akonam Akuatuegwu and Chief Bennett Chibueze without any reason.

He said the Police claimed they were sponsoring the youths in selling lands, aiding them to rape women and ordering them to beat people.

However, he debunked all the allegations, adding that the Police headquarters in Awka, had invited them twice but told them to go without anything

The State Police Public Relation’s Officer, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the arrests.

He said it was a case of alleged conspiracy, malicious damage, threatening violence and conduct likely to breach the peace of the state.

Haruna further told The Nation that the case had been charged to court for prosecution.

He did not however disclose but the court which they were charged to. (The Nation)