BY ANAYO OKOLI
UMUAHIA—THE fragile peace in crisis-ridden Ohume-Omaegwu Autonomous Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State is being threatened, following what the people described as alleged inciting activities of one Chief Chikara Ugorji standing trial for murder but currently on bail at an Umuahia High Court.
The community, which a few months ago was embroiled in crisis which saw the death of one person and destruction of property worth millions of Naira, alleged that Ugorji returned to the village on account of the bail granted him by the court, and allegedly started intimidating the people by calling meetings and threatening to deal with any person who challenged him.
But a source close to Ugorji has since denied the allegation, blaming the development on his "enemies" who want the crisis to continue for their benefit.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Umuahia, Mr. Vincent Nzeadibe, elder brother of Sopuruchi Nzeadibe, whose alleged murder Ugorji is standing trial, said it was very painful that his brother's remains were still in the morgue, while the alleged killer was granted bail only for him to return and continue to intimidate the people.
According to him, the conduct of Ugorji can spark off another round of crisis in the community, especially by the youths who are still aggrieved that their leader is still in detention at Afara Prisons, Umuahia, for alleged robbery case.
Nzeadibe claimed that Ugorji on return from detention allegedly summoned a meeting at the community's Village Square where he allegedly boasted that his group was in charge of affairs of the community.
He said his family was pained that a murder suspect was granted bail to work freely on the streets when the body of his brother was still in the mortuary.
He Lamented: "I have not seen a case like this. A murder suspect was grant bail, while the man killed is still there in the mortuary.
"The man is [allegedly] even going round the community with his few supporters trying to cause another crisis. We want the relevant authorities, especially the judiciary to note this because we have not seen this before, a murder suspect being given easy bail and coming back [allegedly] continue to intimidate the people."
He warned that the alleged inciting conduct of the chief could spark off crisis in the community, which is yet to recover from the crisis that hit it last year when properties worth millions of Naira were damaged.
Vanguard Nigeria