Nekede Landlord Allegedly Kills Tenant over Non Payment of House Rent
Anselem Anokwute
A tragic incident has occurred in Umudibia Nekede Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, where a landlord, a native of the Community, Mr. Aloy Ekeocha, allegedly killed his tenant, Mr. Anthony Nwanna (also known as Alila) native of Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, (a building contractor and Carpenter) over a dispute related to non-payment of house rent and a quit notice.
The tenant was reportedly arrested and tortured by the Vigilantees group of Umuokoto Nekede, leading to his death. The body was taken to an undisclosed morgue.
When contacted at the Umuokoto Village Council Hall Mr. Ekeocha explained that they have settled with the late tenant Alila before the news of his demise came and didn’t accept that he died in the hand of the Vigilantes but the Newsmen gathered that the Young Man died under the torture by the Vigilantes.
The Traditional Ruler of Umudibia Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Merenini, and the Chairman Umuokoto Village Council, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwuegbulam have been accused of covering up and crime shading as they voluntarily denied knowledge of the incident when contacted by Journalists but accepted to have heard it as a rumour. While Mr Ugwuegbulam said that his office has not received any official report on the misunderstandings between Elder Ekeocha and his tenant.
However, they admitted to discussing the matter with the people of Mbaise to resolve the issue without involving the police or journalists.
Residents of Nekede have expressed concern over the increasing attacks by landlords and their vigilante groups, calling on the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident highlights the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in communities. It also underscores the responsibility of community leaders to protect the rights and safety of all residents, regardless of their status or background.