The traditional ruler of Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe Maximus Ike Oliobi, has raised an alarm over the growing criminal activities in the town, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
Speaking to journalists at his palace on Sunday, Igwe Oliobi said the town was under siege by a group of criminally minded youths, allegedly backed by individuals pursuing selfish interests. This came after the town’s market was forcefully shut down on Saturday by protesting youths, following the death of one of them, Ifeanyi Odibelu, shortly after his release from police custody.
The youths accused the monarch of orchestrating Odibelu’s arrest, a claim the monarch has strongly denied. He described the protest as disruptive and sacrilegious, and insisted that he had no hand in the youth’s death.
“These are the same people who once brought unknown gunmen into the bushes around Nimo and Neni to carry out kidnappings,” he said. “They are trying to destabilise the peace we have worked so hard to build.”
Igwe Oliobi said he had consistently opposed land grabbing, armed robbery, and cultism in the community—moves which he believes prompted the attacks on his leadership. He also revealed that efforts had been made to rehabilitate the youths through government skill acquisition programs and scholarships, but they rejected them in favour of illegal activities.
He highlighted ongoing development projects under his reign, including the Nimo Civil Centre and scholarships for 14 indigent students, as proof of his commitment to the town’s progress.
Calling for calm, he urged the Police, DSS, and state security outfits like Agunechemba to investigate the incident thoroughly and restore peace by arresting those disrupting the community.
