Gov Obaseki
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Butchers in Benin have pleaded with governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki to prevail on the coordinator of Edo Security Network, CSP Yusuf Haruna (Rtd.) for allegedly sponsoring thugs to attack them unceasingly.
Also, they pleaded that the Governor should help curb the excesses of one Akhere Odijie whom they said; imposed himself as the State Chairman of the Butchers Association and incessantly unleashes attacks on members.
The Butchers who protested to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ,) Edo State Council, accused Haruna and Odijie of using thugs to attack them on regular basis.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, former State Chairman of the Association, Sunny Omokaro said after imposing himself as the State Chairman of the Association, Odijie has been attacking and maiming anyone who refuses to cooperate with him or fail to pay money at the abattoir.
According to him, each time Odijie and his cohorts are reported to the Police and arrested, they are released; and that Haruna from the Edo State Government office was the one responsible.
“Anytime we make complaint to the Nigerian Police and the thugs are arrested, they would be released without delay. And what we were told is that call came from Governor’s office. And they told us the person that usually call is one Yusuf Haruna.
“Recently, we went to make complaint at the Zone 5 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, and thugs of Odijie were arrested, but they were released. It was there I saw Huruna who came to effect bail of the thugs. It was there I confirmed the allegation.
“Odijie, on his part is threatening that even if he kills, nothing will happen, and that his brother is Governor of the State. As we speak, we cannot express ourselves freely. It has been intimidation and gun shots. When you speak out, you will be attacked. If you refuse to pay Odijie a certain amount daily before you start your business, you will be intimidated. We are indebted, we can no longer pay school fees of our children.”
Omokaro called on the Governor to help remove Odijie as Chairman whom he said, imposed himself on them; so that they can have a democratically elected Chairman.
But Haruna when contacted, denied the allegation saying he does not know them neither does he have any business with them.
This is as efforts to reach Odijie for reaction was not successful as at the time of filing this report on Wednesday.
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