Owerri market demolition: PDP calls for probe of Okorocha, condemns military tactics
- The PDP has called for an investigation into the recent market demolition in Owerri, Imo state
- The demolition which allegedly led to the death of a 10-year-old boy has led to a lot of controversy
- The Imo state government led by Rochas Okorocha has repeatedly denied that anyone was killed
The demolition of the popular Ekeukwu market, in Owerri, by the Imo state government on Saturday, August 26 has led to a lot of controversy.
A 10-year old boy Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, allegedly died from a bullet fired by soldiers, in the course of the demolition.
According Premium Times, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released a statement on Sunday, August 27, through its spokesperson, Dayo Adeyeye saying:
“We condemn the Forceful Demolition of the Popular Eke Ukwu Market and violent eviction of traders in Owerri by the Imo state government using men of the Nigerian police force and other security agencies during which three (3) people including a 10-year-old child were extra-judicially murdered and several other people were injured.
“This violent eviction is all the more condemnable because it was carried out in violation of a pending Order granted by an Imo State High Court restraining the Imo state government from demolishing the market and evicting the traders.
“This action, sadly, follows a pattern of the Use of the Apparatus of State Security to forcefully and violently carry out evictions of ordinary Nigerians from valuable property in blatant violation of court orders.
"Not very long ago, the Lagos State Government ordered the Forceful Eviction of indigent Nigerians from waterfront properties to enable it enter into joint venture agreements for the Construction of luxury apartments.
"Like the Owerri incident, this eviction led to the deaths of at least two (2) people and the Injury of several others, including women and children.
READ ALSO: Okorocha denies death of three people in Owerri market demolition
“As much as we acknowledge the deals of development and the construction of critical infrastructure, these ideals must be pursued within the confines of respect for the Rule of Law as well as in a humane manner that preserves the dignity of indigent Nigerians while giving them viable and affordable alternatives regarding where to live, grow and trade."
The party then called for the “immediate investigation of these extra-judicial murders and for the culprits to be brought to book.”
“Only such an action will give justice to the Dead and discourage the Use of the Police and other security agencies as tools for further oppression of ordinary Nigerians.”
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Meanwhile, there has been controversy surrounding the death of a 10-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, who was allegedly shot dead by soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.
The tragedy reportedly happened during the demolition of the Owerri Main Market, popularly known as Eke-Ukwu Owerri. Isaiah Ibeanusi, the father of the deceased boy, who was in tears at his No. 9 Oguamanam Street residence, close to the demolished market, told reporters that his son died instantly after a bullet hit him on his head.
Watch this Legit.ng video as traders speak of the market situation of other places:
Source: Legit.ng
