By Okechukwu Onuegbu
About 100 youth of Mgbakwu, Awka-North Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Friday, protested against the alleged killing of 26-year-old native, Mr Chinyeaka Ike by members of the State’s Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).
The protesters, who trooped to the State government house with placards of different inscriptions, including the remains of the deceased and green leaves, demanded an end to what they describe as persistent intimidation, violence and brutality by state task forces.
According to the group spokesman, Arinze Nwoye, late Chinyeaka Ike was the only son of his parents, got married recently and his wife is expecting their first child next month.
Nwoye alleged that the SASA operatives stormed the area and started apprehending young people indiscriminately, prompting Ike and another youth to flee and were pursued and shot dead.
“We want the Governor to be aware and let him tell us what to do because it is too much. This innocent soul that just died is a promising youth that is hard working, what have we done to SASA and other agencies? We don’t want to take laws into our hands, that’s why we are here to complain to the Governor for an urgent action," he stated.
Also speaking, Mr Micheal Obidigwe, claimed that SASA and other State security operatives have been arresting and brutalising them, even as he cited the incident in 2025 where a woman was allegedly killed during a security operation.
“This is becoming too much. Every time they will be coming to carry our youths for nothing. What is our offence? Udogachi will come. SASA will come. SPACS will come. All the youths will be running and hiding every time," he alleged.
Responding, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Ben Nwankwo, described the situation as troubling and assured the youth that the State government would bring justice for the deceased having directed the police and Department of Security Services to investigate the case.
“This is a sad incident. The Governor is not happy with this development. He has directed that the Police and DSS commence immediate investigation to unravel what transpired. Kindly remain calm and refrain from taking the law into your hands," he added.