Relocation Of Suspect Boko Haram Held Triggers Outrage

A member representing Aguata federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Eucharia Azodo, yesterday urged the federal government to rescind the decision in view of its security implications on the people of her constituency.
As the controversy rages over the alleged relocation of some Boko Haram detainees from prisons in the northern part of the country to Anambra State has led to controversy

In a statement in Awka, Azodo said the Boko Haram detainees would better be taken care of in a maximum security prison, arguing that Ekwulobia Prison did not have the capacity to accommodate such high risk prisoners.

The statement read: “It gives me great concern about the rising tension following rumours that inmates of Boko Haram suspects were reportedly relocated from some Northern prisons to the South East, precisely, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government of Anambra State.

“We all are aware of the fact that Ekwulobia Prison in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State is not a maximum security prison.

“Whereas a large number of prisoners, about 134 inmates, are there already in a prison built to accommodate 85 inmates, a total number of 47 Boko Haram prisoners were brought to Ekwulobia Prison in the dead of the night of Sunday, June 28, 2015 amidst tight security.

“In spite of torrent protests recorded in the commercial city of Onitsha, Ekwulobia and other major cities of Anambra State last weekend over the rumours of government intention,   the Federal Government still went ahead to relocate them to Ekwulobia in flagrant violation of the avowed wishes of the peace- loving people of Anambra State.

“As a result, tension has been raised in the state, arising from hundreds of youths storming the streets and market places. Filling stations in the state were also shut down in protest.