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Okporoenyi Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area, was thrown into wild jubilation Wednesday afternoon, following the arrest of a middle aged man who specializes in stealing cocoa seeds belonging to local farmers.
The middle aged man in his early 40’s whose name was given as Sunday Uwakwe popularly known as Onwa, was caught in the act by youths of the community after trailing him for months.
Findings from Southeastposts revealed that Onwa has been terrorizing farmers, causing them pain and making them lose millions of naira from their cocoa farms.
It was further revealed that Onwa returned from detention not long ago, but instead of putting an end to his criminal tendencies, he has continued with his nefarious activity which has further angered members of the community.
But the youths of Okporoenyi acting on credible information, caught Onwa on Wednesday in one of the farms carrying out his activity. The youths, in order not to take the laws into their hands, brought Onwa to the village hall to the excitement of people of the community.
Speaking to Southeastposts, the Councillor representing Bende Ward in Bende LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Nwankwo, lauded the youths for the feat they recorded in apprehending Onwa who has been a torn in the flesh of farmers in the community.
Hon. Nwankwo told Southeastposts that Onwa returned from detention not long ago and lamented that instead of being a law abiding citizen of Okporoenyi, Onwa has continued to inflict losses on farmers.
He blamed widespread criminality in the country and community to drug addiction, decrying that youths instead of embarking on meaningful ventures, have continued to be a clog in the wheels of development in various communities.
Hon. Nwankwo also used the opportunity to advise youths to engage in positive ventures rather than negativity, adding that the full weight of the law will fall on deviants who bring bad name to the community.
Others who spoke to Southeastposts, appreciated the youths for the feat, urging them to apprehend others who have been stealing from cocoa farmers in the community.
As at the time of filing in this report, Onwa has been handed over to men of Bende Police Division.
Great thanks to the youths of the community for their vigilance, i hope this act will give the farmers a breathing space from now.