Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe town in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State took to the streets in protest against the destruction of their properties by fellow indigenes.

The protests were prompted by the resistance of the residents to being extorted through excessive revenue collection.

During the peaceful demonstration held at the Anambra State Government House, the residents, who hail from different parts of the Southeast, expressed their surprise and frustration at the continuous harassment and extortion by the local indigenes, despite owning properties in the area.

Dr. Tony Chukwunoso Princewill, the leader of the protest, addressed the government house, highlighting the extent of the destruction caused by the indigenes. He revealed that buildings, cars, shops, and merchandise worth millions were destroyed, with ten-story buildings and thirty vehicles set ablaze by the hoodlums. The attackers also physically assaulted residents during the incident.

The root cause of the conflict, according to Dr. Princewill, was the refusal of the residents to continue paying multiple levies imposed by the indigenes. He explained that they were compelled to pay mandatory levies of N10,000 per store every quarter, even though they owned over 10,000 stores in the layout. The situation had escalated to the point where they were being charged for any activity within their own houses, built with their hard-earned money.

Despite reporting the matter to the police authorities and the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Matters, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, no positive response or action had been taken. As a result, the residents appealed to the state government for intervention and a viable resolution to the issue.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, addressed the protesters and condemned the incident. He ordered the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in the destruction. The governor assured the protesters that the government would intervene and take appropriate measures to address the situation.