By Chinonso Alozie
OWERRI—WOMEN from Amakohia-ubi community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have been fined for participating in the protest against destruction of their farms by herdsmen.
Exclusive investigation by Vanguard yesterday, revealed that the women were forced to pay N1,000 each0 for not suspending the protest.
This is coming at a time the Imo State House of Assembly is considering a bill to establish ranching in the state.
The state chapter of Christain Association of Nigeria, CAN, had however rejected the planned passage of the said bill to establish ranching in the state.
When Vanguard visited the President-General of the community, Cyril Ndumanya, he said: “When the women went on the protest, they did not get permission from me.
“I will like you to know that Amakohia-ubi community is made up of different kindreds and the man that asked them to pay the fine is of Umujam. I am not the person that asked the women to pay the fine.
“But I want to tell you that the ACDU president and I have intervened in the issue and we are resolving the matter. So, there is nothing to worry about.”
It should be recalled that Vanguard had reported that hundreds of women from Amakohia-ubi community had protested at Imo Government House over the continued destruction of their farms by herdsmen.
Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the fine imposed on the women came as they were planning to stage a second protest against the said destruction of their farms by herdsmen, but were overpowered and forced to pay N1,000 as a punishment.
A source told Vanguard that “Our traditional ruler Eze Smart Nze has asked the chairman of the kindred to refund that money to the women and I was told he refused.
“We are not happy that after our women protested against the damages on their farms by herdsmen and were punished. This is an aberration. This is wicked of our people and they must grow beyond this. Is it bad for women to protest against the destruction of their farms?
“For me, they should give them back their money. Nobody will hear this and be happy with the man who instructed that these women should be fined.”
Recall that Ndumanya had told Vanguard that over 200 farms in his community were destroyed by herdsmen. He also pleaded with the government to ask the herders to vacate the community.
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