Anambra: Market chairman beat up, detained as Soludo stops work on shops

 

Anambra: Market chairman beat up, detained as Soludo stops work on shops

By Calis Mbadugha, Onitsha

The Caretaker Committee chairman of Onitsha Bridge head market, Anambra State, Hon. Chinedu Ezekweike Akweke, was reportedly   beaten up by some youths and detained at Bridge head Police Station, Onitsha, over alleged reconstruction of shops collapsed by inferno during the recent chemical explosion that resulted in the death of about eight persons  in the market.

It was gathered that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on hearing of the reconstruction, personally called on the chairman and ordered him that work on the shops be stopped immediately.

Later, some youths were said to  have stormed his office in the market, on Thursday, beat him to pulp and took him to Onitsha South council headquarters, from where he was taken to Bridge head Police Station, where he is presently cooling off.

A member of the Caretaker Committee who pleaded anonymity  confirmed that the Governor was not happy with the reconstruction of the shops and ordered stop work.

"As I talk to you now he is still being detained at the Bridge head Police Station, he was arrested from his office and detained since Thursday till today, Friday, he was beaten up by some youths and taken to  Onitsha South council headquarters before finding himself in the Police cell.

Confirming the detention when contacted, the Oniitsha Police Area Commander, Mr. Nasiru Kaila, said that he has a sensitive issue with the  State Government.

"I am aware of his detention, I think he has a sensitive issue with the State Government, not market leaders," he hinted and declined further comment.