Tensions Rise in Nimo Anambra State as Traditional Ruler Denies Involvement in Youth Leader’s Death

 

A wave of unrest has gripped the Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a heated protest by a group of youths who accused the traditional ruler, Igwe Maximus Iliobi, of being behind the death of a youth leader, Ifeanyi Odibelu. The protest, which escalated on Saturday, led to the shutdown of the popular Oye Market and disrupted business activities across the town.

Addressing journalists from the comfort of his palace on Sunday, Igwe Iliobi made a passionate appeal to security agencies, calling for the urgent deployment of personnel to restore peace and investigate the brewing crisis. He specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the state-backed security outfits — Udo Gachi and Agunechemba — to intervene.

“I want the security agencies to also investigate the matter,” the monarch stated firmly, reiterating his position that he had no involvement in the tragic demise of Mr. Odibelu. The deceased had reportedly passed away eight days after his release from police custody in Awka, a development that sparked widespread anger among sections of the youth.

As tensions simmer, allegations have continued to swirl, with the protesting youths claiming that the traditional ruler orchestrated not just the arrest of Mr. Odibelu, but also a broader crackdown on young people in the community. They argue that these arrests are part of a pattern of intimidation allegedly endorsed by the throne.

Reacting to these claims, Igwe Iliobi described the protesters as a disruptive minority who have consistently undermined the peace and development of the town. He insisted that the accusations were nothing more than a smear campaign by those opposed to his hard stance on criminality and land grabbing.

“These are the same people who invited gunmen to occupy the bush between Nimo and Neni, from where they launched kidnapping operations,” he alleged. He further emphasized that the protestors were reacting to his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, and illegal land acquisition.

The monarch noted that the core of the conflict lies in his refusal to allow the misuse of communal land and his efforts to uphold traditional values and lawful conduct. He maintained that the protest was not a true representation of the Nimo youth, whom he believes are mostly law-abiding and development-oriented.

Efforts have been made, according to the ruler, to rehabilitate and empower the aggrieved youths. These include enrolling them in skill acquisition programs, such as those offered by Innoson Manufacturing Company in Nnewi and the state’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative. Sadly, he lamented, many of the youths rejected these opportunities in pursuit of quick, illicit gains.

“Rather than take advantage of these programs, they chose to indulge in land grabbing and other nefarious acts,” he said, pointing out that the group causing unrest numbers no more than 30 individuals.

Over the past three years, Igwe Iliobi noted, their actions have fractured the community’s unity and painted Nimo — historically known as a peaceful town — in a negative light. He also accused them of scaring away potential investors and sabotaging efforts to attract development under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Solution Agenda.

Despite the unrest, the monarch reaffirmed his commitment to the progress and transformation of Nimo. Under his leadership, he said, the community has witnessed significant development milestones. He highlighted ongoing projects like the construction of the Nimo Civil Centre, which he believes will rank among the most impressive in the South-East upon completion.

Additionally, 14 brilliant but underprivileged students from the community are currently studying medicine and engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, through his scholarship initiative.

“I was traditionally called to come and rule the good people of Nimo because of my long-time contributions to our development. My eight years on the throne have brought massive progress,” he asserted.

Calling for calm and unity, Igwe Iliobi urged residents to ignore the damaging narratives and support the community’s march toward sustained peace and prosperity.

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