Anambra Violence: Army, Police Take Onitsha Motor Park Under Control

Battle-ready soldiers and policemen have taken over security at the disputed Aba Central Motor Park in Onitsha, Anambra, where two people were killed on February 20, 2014, Thursday.

Over 200 hoodlums, suspected Ogbaru youths, armed with guns machetes and other dangerous weapons had invaded the park managed by Lutas Collections on Thursday.

They plotted to take over the management of the park, but were resisted by the mangers of the park and their sympathisers.

The clashes have reportedly claimed two lives, while many people sustained various injuries.

The violence has also paralysed social and economic activities in Onitsha.

Security forces were deployed at the park on February 21, 2014, Friday, as they scrutinized passengers to sort out people who could make trouble.

The Chairman of Lutas Collections, Chief Okafor appealed to the Anambra State Government to intervene and flush out the hoodlums from the park to save the lives of the Nigerian citizens who use the park.

Mr. Emeka Ugwu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area, confirmed the incident.

However, he said that only one person died in the clash of machete injuries. The DPO stated that the police, military have taken over security in the park and its environs.

It would be noted that Lutas Collection was appointed by the Anambra State Government to manage and collect revenue for it in the park.