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Battering, suppression, impishness, assault were the order of the day on Sunday, February 4, 2024, in Mburubu Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as poor old people and vulnerable youths of the community were violently harassed and beaten up.

Report says they were beaten up for attending the grand reception organized in honour of Ozor Engr Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe who was recently chosen as the new monarch but awaits certification from the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

Amid the kingship tussle which has engulfed the community, High Chief Linus Igbudu who is reportedly presented by a faction as a placeholder, allegedly deployed armed thugs on Sunday morning to assault and in the process injured his kinsmen and villagers of Ihuegbe quarter for attending his rival’s grand reception.

Ever since the presentation of Chief Igbudu by a fractional faction of the indigenes, the once peaceful community has been fraught with violence and blackmail against the Igwe-elect Onuokaibe.

“We cannot continue to tolerate attacks on members of the community often fuelled by the incendiary rhetoric of political leaders in Mburubu,” Ozor Chinedu Ezechukwu said, describing the attack as “despicable”.
He added that the development represented a new and dangerous dimension, urging the police to investigate the attack on the indigenes allegedly orchestrated by Chief Igbudu and cohorts.

The quick intervention of the Nigeria Army who stormed the community saved the situation. Those who were, flogged to pulp and injured were seen getting medical help courtesy of Igwe-elect Onuokaibe.

According to Ozor Ezechukwu, the attackers were ostensibly on a mission to disrupt the peace of the community, pointing out that Onuokaibe was elected in accordance with all applicable constitutional and cultural standards of the community
“The escalation of violence, attack on the community people calculated to intimidate and scuttle the legitimate election of Ozor Onuokaibe as Igwe designate is unacceptable and must stop. We cannot permit or excuse anyone to inflict harm, maim or kill others on account of local power intrigues.
“That is the direct antithesis of our cultural norms and negates the greatness of our community,” Ozor Ezechukwu said.

He called on the Inspector General of Police to order a full, thorough and expeditious investigation of the incident.
“This is a matter of State concern. Mburubu people must be reassured that attending community events is not akin to a journey of no return. Every Mburubu person irrespective of affiliation is entitled to his or her fundamental rights and should not be cajoled or intimidated,” he said.

He wished the injured in the attack speedy and full recovery and urged Ndi Mburubu to remain calm, strong, and undeterred as the Igwe-Elect is on top of the situation.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Engr Lawrence Ezeh, an engineer who is the first son of the late king, and his allies has been accused of attempting to subvert the Constitution of the Community to overturn the valid election of Ozor Onuokaibe as the next king.

Also, he is accused of using law enforcement agencies and government apparatus to arrest the community indigenes who dared to challenge his opinion.
The accusation, tale of nursed grievances and conspiracy reflects the deep partisan divide that has developed in the community which was ones peaceful.
The scheme to destabilize the community continues in various ways, representing a clear and present danger in the Community.