Chaos Erupts In Onitsha As Anti-Touting Squads Allegedly Abduct Woman And Vigilante Operatives

In a shocking turn of events, pandemonium engulfed the Awada area of Onitsha, Anambra State, following an alleged invasion by a joint force of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) and Agunechemba Squad. Reports indicate that the operatives stormed the office of the Awada Central Landlords Association, abducting a female clerk and two vigilante members attached to the association.

SASA’s Role and Public Perception

The SASA operatives, widely recognized as “Ndi Akaodo” or “Pestle Boys” due to their use of pestles and machetes, frequently patrol Onitsha’s streets and highways in Hummer buses. Their presence has long been a subject of controversy, with residents accusing them of excessive force and unlawful activities.

Destruction and Alleged Looting

Eyewitnesses claim that the SASA/Agunechemba team not only abducted individuals but also vandalized property worth millions of naira. Among the damaged assets were vigilante vehicles, motorcycles, office doors, and windows. Additionally, the operatives allegedly seized two English Pump Action rifles, mobile phones, security gadgets, and a substantial amount of cash belonging to the landlords’ association and security personnel.

Community Uproar and Clash

According to reports, the incident originated from a scuffle on Orsumoghu Street, Awada. Residents mistook the SASA operatives for kidnappers, leading to a confrontation. As tensions escalated, the vigilante unit intervened, only to be met with aggression from the SASA squad.

Uchechukwu Jude Ukachi, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Awada Central Landlords Association, provided an account of the altercation. He stated that when the vigilante unit arrived at the scene to assess the situation, the SASA operatives turned on them instead. The conflict resulted in the operatives abandoning their official Hummer bus as they fled from an enraged crowd.

Security Chief Speaks Out

Ukachi further questioned why the matter escalated to an attack on the landlords’ office, leading to property destruction, looting, and abduction of security operatives. He emphasized that his agency, Jufuso Security, had no involvement in the initial dispute and labeled the invasion as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his company’s reputation.

Allegations of Extortion and Abuse of Power

The Vice Chairman of the Awada Central Landlords Association, Chief Walter Ohiri, echoed similar concerns, accusing SASA operatives of routinely harassing residents, arbitrarily arresting individuals, and demanding exorbitant ransoms ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦400,000 for their release.

Police Intervention and Ongoing Investigation

In response to the crisis, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that authorities have stepped in to mediate. Efforts are reportedly underway to bring all involved parties together for dialogue and resolution.

Meanwhile, the SASA administration has denied allegations of abduction, stating that their raid on the landlords’ office was solely aimed at retrieving their official vehicle key, which had been seized during the altercation.

Conclusion

The unfolding events in Onitsha highlight rising tensions between security squads and local vigilante groups. With allegations of unlawful detentions, extortion, and violent clashes, residents are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and restore order in the community.