Nkerehi Women Protest Against Anambra Billionaire, Maduka, Allege Threats To Their Lives

It was a sympathy protest, as some women from Nkerehi stormed the Government House, Awka, pleading for government’s intervention in the plight of their community.

The women in their numbers from Nkerehi community, Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA), were all in black attire with tears flowing freely and pleading for intervention of the Government to save them from being killed.

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as, “Kenneth Mmaduka stop killing our men and women’’, “Gov. Obiano please come to our rescue’’ and “Dr Mmaduka stop hitting our children to achieve your evil plans’’.

They alleged threat to their life and those of their family by certain members of the Umuchukwu community in Orumba South LGA.

They also alleged the threats were masterminded by a certain billionaire, Dr Godwin Mmaduka, through his militia group, warning that the group should be restrained from harming them.

In a speech on behalf of the women, Mrs Maureen Egwike said: “Since 2007 to date, Mmaduka has been on our necks.

“In January, I was in my house when he sent one Kenneth Mmaduka and Kingsley Mmaduka along with some thugs to look for my husband in the wee hours of Jan. 7.

“But they didn’t see my husband. They brought me out and beat me to stupor. Kenneth even wanted to rape me but to God be the glory, I was in my menstrual cycle; he didn’t succeed. I have the pictures as evidence.

“He said he will kill me and my husband, including my children. Nothing will happen.

“This is because Godwin wants to change the name of our community from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu and we are opposed to the idea.

“Godwin is seeking to kill us for our stands. That is why we are here for the government to listen to our cry before we die.

“Initially, we thought it was men’s affairs, but now he has involved the women folks too. We are no longer safe.

“Our child was kidnapped by Kenneth Mmaduka and his group who alleged that the boy was trying to put charms in their house. They have been molesting our women.

“The community is gradually being turned into `Boko Haram den’ of sorts.

“We are here to plead with the Governor to hear us out.’’

Responding, a representative of Government and Special Adviser (Legal), Mrs Vera Okonkwo assured them that the Governor would come to their aid.

Okonkwo adds: “I was moved when I saw the women wearing black attire and wailing profusely.

“Gov. Obiano will not allow intimidation. We have freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria to guarantee our inalienable rights.

“The Governor is a man of peace. I assure you that he will hear everything and act with dispatch.

“This is against the fundamental human rights of all,’’ Okonkwo noted. (MOI)