By Our correspondent
A chaotic scene unfolded in Awada, Onitsha, Anambra State, as the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) allegedly invaded the office of Awada Central Landlords Association, leaving a trail of destruction and abduction in their wake.
According to eyewitnesses, the SASA men, also known as “Ndi Aka Odo” or “Pestle Boys,” stormed the office, destroying properties worth millions of naira, including Vigilante vehicles, motorcycles, office doors, and windows.
“They abducted our workers, including a cashier and two vigilantes,” an eyewitness recounted.
“The attackers also made off with two assault rifles, telephone handsets, security gadgets, and an unspecified amount of money.
The mayhem was sparked by a scuffle between residents of Orsumoghu Street, Awada, and the SASA squad, who were mistaken for kidnappers.
The situation escalated when the SASA men allegedly launched a violent attack on Vigilante operatives attached to the Awada Central Landlords Association.
Uchechukwu Jude Ukachi, Chief Security Officer of the Awada landlords association, condemned the attack, stating that the SASA men had no right to invade their office and abduct their personnel. Ukachi also alleged that the SASA men frequently harass and extort residents in the area.
However, the Administrative Officer of SASA denied abducting anyone, claiming that their men were searching for their official vehicle key, which had been seized by the security operatives.
Our Correspondent gathered that the police had intervened, restoring calmness and engaging stakeholders to facilitate a roundtable discussion and amicable settlement among the three governmental agencies involved.
As of press time, only one of the abducted victims, a lady cashier, had been released, while two others remained in custody. The SASA men are reportedly threatening to launch another attack, prompting Ukachi to vow that his men will not hesitate to defend themselves if necessary.
