Ohafia Women Protest Military Occupation of Ancestral Land

By Charles Nwabardi

Women of Amangwu Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest asking the military to vacate the ancestral Land  of Ohafia, Elu Ohafia.

Their protest march started from Amangwu to Amuma, Ndi Ibe, Asaga, Ebem then to Elu Ohafia, chanting solidarity songs.

From Elu Ohafia, they proceeded to the Palace of the Udumeze of Ohafia, Eze Prof. E.U.L. Imaga.

At the palace, the Council of Ohafia Monarchs who were holding their monthly general meeting warmly received the women.

In their separate speeches, the leaders of the Amangwu women –Madam Ngozi Obasi, Madam Sunday Onwuka and Elder Mrs. Christaina Mecha – stated that they embarked on the peaceful protest to demand the immediate vacation of the military and an end to the military siege in their community.

She lamented the military’s occupation of their land, especially the premises of the only secondary school in the community.

The women noted with deep concern that if nothing urgent is done, their children who have kept out of school for fear of either being arrested or harassed may not write their promotion examinations.

They pleaded with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs to once again rise to the occasion and bring them succour. 

Responding on behalf of the monarchs, the Udumeze of Ohafia, Prof E. U.L. Imaga, who spoke through his representative, Engr. Prince Uma Agbai Olugu, thanked the women for being peaceful in their quest to have a peaceful environment devoid of fear, intimidation and destruction of property.

Prof. Imaga therefore appealed to the women to continue being peaceful, go about their normal activities and to educate their children and wards to avoid any confrontations with the Nigerian Army. He assured that the Council will give their request the desired immediate attention