TheCable

Traders in different parts of Anambra state took to the streets on Saturday to protest the alleged attempt of the federal government to transfer some Boko Haram detainees to a prison facility in Awka, capital of the state.

The protesters, who had placards with inscriptions such as: ‘We don’t want Boko Haram prisoners in Anambra’; ‘Buhari should not destroy the peace in Anambra’; ‘Anambra is not a party to terrorists and should not be involved in it’ among others, marched through Nnewi, Ekwulobia Onitsha, Awka, Agulu and several parts of the state.

The demonstration led to traffic gridlock in major areas with the Enugu Onitsha expressway being blocked for most parts of the day. Travelers were subjected to hardship and economic activities ground to a halt while the protest lasted.

Efforts of security personnel to control the mob did not yield any fruit, as they marched in thousands, chanting anti-government songs.

However, Uche Eze, police public relations officer in the state, assured the residents of their safety, saying the police was in control of the situation.

Addressing reporters, Chuma Elucharu, secretary-general, Anambra state amalgamated traders association (AMATAS), said the exercise was used as an avenue to express their displeasure with the attempt “to disrupt the peace in the state”.

“We have been informed that federal government wants to transfer Boko Haram prisoners to our state and this is unacceptable. Anambra is peaceful and we don’t want Boko Haram to come and cause confusion,” he said.

On his part, Dede Uzor, publicity secretary of AMATAS, said they decided to shut markets across the state to vent their anger.

“Considering our present state of prison facilities in Nigeria, there is always a possible outbreak from prisons and imagine what would happen in such situation,” he said.

“So, if they really want to keep the insurgency contained to the north, the transfer shouldn’t be done.”