By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Officials sent by the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area Hon. Anayochukwu Charles Orjiako to ascertain the root cause of a building collapse at a Umuogu village Okija ward 3 were ruthlessly chased away by thugs with guns on the orders of their principal who owns the collapsed building.
A source who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the local government officials sent on the assignment narrowly escaped lynching because the owner of the failed structure said they have no business coming to his compound to investigate anything.
The source who said that the incident took place in his village, maintained that the thugs pulled out guns and threatened to kill the task force officials who were in the area on official duty.
The source said, “The Chairman of the local government complained to me that they got a report that a building collapsed in my ward. So as a routine, he sent his task force to go there and get on the spot assessment of what actually happened.
“When they got there the owner of the house and some thugs started threatening them and even pulled out a gun to shoot them. That’s what the local government chairman told me by himself because where they went to is within my political ward at Okija ward 3.”
Meanwhile, the local government chairman told our correspondent that the matter has been reported to the appropriate quarters and that the traditional ruler and President-General of Okija community have taken the matter up and would give him feedback within three days.
He said what actually happened was that he got a report that a building collapsed in Umuogu Okija and he sent some councilors there to know actually what made the building to collapse.
He said on reaching the compound, the security in the compound refused them entry and the owner of the house came out and began to threaten them. The chairman said that they called him and told him that their lives were being threatened.
He said he had no other option but to ask them to come back to the local government to save their lives even though he said he has reported the issue to the Commissioner for Works, the Chief of Staff and the members representing Ihiala 1& 2 in the 8th assembly.
Orjiako also disclosed that Igwe Okija and Okija PG were all aware of the development and they have assured him that they would report back to him after three days.
About Author
