By Douglas Princemola.
The distribution of palliatives by Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, the House Representative for Ohaji Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency, on Saturday, June 7, 2024, ignited a violent conflict in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area. The altercation involved two individuals contesting the position of President- General of Obile Autonomous Community, Hon. Chigozie Kingsley Omuruka, and Mr. Ndubuisi Obido, over control of the donated supplies.
The confrontation began at Central School Izombe, Oguta LGA, during the palliative distribution event. Both Omuruka and Obido claimed authority over the consignment meant for their community. The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, prompting intervention from police and military personnel to restore order. Ultimately, the palliatives were handed over to the Coordinator for Obile Ward.
Hon. Kingsley Omuruka recounted that he, along with several other President Generals from Ohaji Egbema LGA, was assaulted and injured by Police Inspector Chika Innocent Okebata, known as “Kill & Bury,” in collaboration with some military officers. Omuruka required hospital treatment for injuries to his head, which had previously undergone surgery. He called for Inspector Okebata’s dismissal, claiming his life was in danger.
Speaking to the press in Owerri, Imo State, Omuruka and other President Generals from Ohaji Egbema LGA described how they narrowly escaped serious harm during the incident in Izombe. They accused Inspector Okebata of being part of an attempt to illegitimately install Obido as the President General of Obile Community, allegedly orchestrated by HRH Eze Abyssinian Ogbuji. Omuruka also reported losing personal belongings, including his phone, during the attack.
In contrast, Mr. Ndubuisi Obido portrayed himself as a peace-loving individual and dismissed Omuruka’s accusations as unfounded. Obido claimed that Omuruka purposefully sought to disgrace him at the event. He argued that Inspector Okebata was wrongfully implicated and emphasized that the palliative distribution had a predetermined plan. Obido asserted that he was legitimately elected as President General following Omuruka’s tenure and was attacked by Omuruka and his supporters.
Obido recounted being assaulted while inspecting the palliatives and denied any involvement of Inspector Okebata in the altercation, attributing the intervention to military officers who acted to restore peace. He praised the security measures in place in Ohaji Egbema and Oguta LGAs, crediting Inspector Okebata for maintaining order and stability.
Supporting Omuruka, the President Generals of Ohoba Autonomous Community, Ochazi Chukwuemeka, Apostle Moses Ugwu of Obosima, and Comrade Akam Kingsley of Ochia Autonomous Community, confirmed that both police and military officers were involved in the attack. They emphasized the need for respect towards President Generals who contribute to governance under Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Inspector Chika Innocent Okebata, in a phone conversation, refrained from commenting directly on the allegations, suggesting the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) as the appropriate spokesperson. He mentioned attempting to arrest Omuruka for wielding a weapon at the public event and sustaining an injury while disarming him.
Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, the event organizer, was unavailable for comment as his phone was switched off at the time of reporting.
