here was wild jubilation in Abakaliki the Ebonyi state capital over the sudden removal of the commissioner of police, Garba Aliyu. The jubilation spilled into everywhere in the state as the news spread. The ousted police chief, Aliyu has severally been linked with the atrocious escapades of the Ebubeagu outfit, a charge he has constantly denied.
Residents however felt other wise believing the redeployed Commissioner of Police has been colluding with the governor, Dave Umahi to oppress opposition. Many politicians have directly accused him of using the militia group to embarrass opponents and attack anyone criticising him.
The police highest command Tuesday acted fast by removing the obviously compromised state top cop. A new helmsman have since been sent to the state.
Speaking on the development, several residents said the removal was timely and highly welcome as the state was already descending into a lawless zone.
Ezra Obi, a trader said that Ebubeagu had unleashed a regime of hellish attack on the citizenry. He said, “even simple civilian issues, they Wade in and deal with people. We were harassed and subjected to all sort of maltreatment.”
Several protesters both within Ebonyi and outside the state have continued to criticize the governor for using the armed group to deal with politicians and anyone with an independent view.
Ms Blessing Peter, a house wife based in Afikpo narrated how Ebubeagu beat her and her family for supporting the PDP. She said, “we are a PDP family. The governor moved to the APC on his own. Now he wants to force us all to follow suit. They came here and pulled down the poster outside and start shouting. We were treated like common prisoners.”
She expressed happiness that a new Commissioner of Police has been appointed, saying she believed his coming will bring some relief.
