The Ezike-Oba community in Enugu- Ezike, Udenu local government area of Enugu state, has condemned alleged weekend harassment of protesting women by the security agencies in Enugu-Ezike.
The condemnation is coming following viral videos online of the women allegedly being intimidated by the security agencies against their protest.
Condemning the incident, the leader of the community, Malachy Odo Eze who spoke with newsmen in Enugu on Monday, described the alleged acts by the security operatives as an infringement on the women’s fundamental rights.
According to him, the security agencies went too far by subjecting the protesting women to and ordering them to sit under the sun, adding that the women have the right to peaceful protest.
“It is gradually getting out of hand. Some South-Eastern States are under imminent security threats, especially Enugu state that had hitherto been reputed to be the most peaceful, the calmest and the most serene state in the country.
“Co-ordinated and unprovoked attacks are exponentially on the increase. Kidnapping for ransom has become a regular signature of the herders. Mindless killings are on the rise. To say the least, the entire country is enmeshed in a firebox of insecurity,” he said.
Eze further said that the security situation in the state had “ignited palpable fears and apprehensions in some quarters so much that citizens are speculating it threatens the 2023 general elections in some areas.
“Drastic measures must urgently be put in place to meet the exigent demands of our security challenges. We have our reservations over the security issue as it could pose a threat to the 2023 polls,” he further said.