…..Calls for thorough investigation and action on NIWA Park
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
An Onitsha based business man, Andy Okafor has condemned the inhuman treatment meted out to one Wilfred Ezike, popularly known as Mgbirigba, an alleged notorious leader of thugs in Onitsha, by overzealous anti tout operatives.
A viral video circulated recently where the Anambra State owned Anti Touting Squad were seen hitting Mgbiligba with various weapons including pestle which eventually broke his bones on both legs. He is presently receiving treatment over injuries sustained in the attack.
Commenting on the situation and the possible reasons behind the attack, Chief Okafor lamented that such unnecessary beating of Mgbiligba has elicited public sympathy which has overshadowed the various crimes which he and his sponsors had been allegedly committing in Niger Street and in NIWA – Asaba Park in Onitsha.
It would be recalled that Mgbirigba alongside Ikanda were notorious kingpin of murderous touts in Onitsha who taxed every trader with wares who enters or leaves any of Onitsha’s numerous markets.
While Ikanda has been convicted of murder by Onitsha High Court and sent to prison, Mgbiligba after two years in prison was let off the hook through the spirited efforts of his sponsors.
It was learnt that before his arrest, Mgbirigba was engaged by one Chief ( names withheld) , and he allegedly forcefully launched an attack and took over NIWA park and Niger street Markets and took them over from their legitimate owners and started running with the help of unscrupulous security agents.
He equally challenged Anambra state government officials to dare him if they could.
Okafor said that since Mgbiligba mentioned the Chief as one of his sponsors who had engaged him in NIWA motor park for his illegal operations and criminality, it is high time the government suspends or closes the NIWA park, and investigate the Chief for sponsoring criminals for various illegal revenue collections.
He said this will serve as an effective deterrent to other leaders of touts and thugs and illegal revenue collectors and their sponsors in Anambra state to desist from their nefarious activities.
“This expected action from government would equally help to bring back traders from other states who were chased away by various criminal activities of touts and make business in Onitsha to bubble and prosper again” he said.