Mild Drama ensued between the men of the Nigeria police
Force and scores of traders under the eagis of Amalgamated Market and Traders Association
(AMATA) Anambra chapter who took to the streets to oppose the rumored move by
federal Government to swap some prisoners in the north with inmates in Anambra
state but were later dispersed the police.
The traders numbering in their tens representing different markets
in the state had earlier barricaded the Enugu-Onistha highway, chanting war
songs to drive home their message to forestall moves by federal government to
embark on such act.
They said they are not ready to start experiencing what the northern
states are currently experiencing with the spate of Boko Haram insurgency and
incessant bombing of markets and houses, they expressed worry that prisoners brought from the north would
have some Boko Haram members that may spoil the minds of inmates here into insurgency activities.
The frowned at the move
by government and asked for a total cancellation of such move in the interest
of the state and country at large.
They however reiterate their call on the federal government to instead complete the ongoing second Niger Bridge and provide employment opportunities and uneven infrastructural development to the region rather than considering their states as a place for Boko Haram inmates swap .
When contacted, the Deputy Comptroller Nigeria Prisons Corporate Affairs, Francis Enabore deny the knowledge of the move for prison swap by the Nigeria Prisons service and said the relocation of prisoners on awaiting trials are done within the jurisdiction of commission while convicted prisoners are transferred at the order of court.
But what intended to be a peaceful protest was later truncated by the invasion of the men of the Nigeria police force who came to disperse the protesters from continuing the protest.
