Women of Amaeze community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday, demanding an end to what they described as external interference in the community’s leadership and quarry operations.
The women, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We want peace in our community” and “People who are not from Amaeze should allow our leaders to work for their people”, pledged support for the Ogbonna Nwaeni-led Amaeze Development Union.
They alleged that powerful interests outside the community were attempting to undermine the union’s decision to partner with Zotman Nigeria Limited as the preferred operator of the Mboro Ajaenyim quarry site, instead pushing for rival firms.
Mrs. Lydia Anyim, one of the protest leaders, said the demonstration was necessary to safeguard peace in the community and prevent tensions from spiraling into conflict.
“We hear that powerful personalities outside our community are fuelling this crisis and trying to subvert the will of the Amaeze people,” she said.
“All we need is peace. If there is a crisis, it is our children and husbands who will be killed, injured or arrested. That is why we, as women, decided to come out to demand peace in our community.”
Another protester, Mrs. Stella Uka, recalled that Amaeze had in the past witnessed violent crises that destroyed lives and property, warning against a repeat.
Mrs. Clementina Umeh added that the community had already voted overwhelmingly in favour of Zotman, insisting the decision should be respected.
“If they will not respect our choice of Zotman as a community, let both companies leave our community. All we want is peace,” she said.
The protesters called on the Ishiagu Community Development Union to intervene and on Amaeze indigenes at home and abroad to support the Nwaeni-led administration in preserving peace.
Responding, Nwaeni told the journalists that the women were within their rights to express their grievances, so long as the protest remained peaceful.
“As long as they did not constitute a breach of peace and order in the community, I have no problem with that,” he said.
