By Chijioke Agwu Abakaliki
Ebonyi Police Command Thursday, May 19, 2016, manhandled and arrested Mr. Ikechukwu Nwafor, and other labour leaders in the state over the on-going strike in the country, which is being complied with in the state.
The police also tear-gased the leaders of the Labour Union and ceased their mobile phones and other valuables.
Nwafor and other labours leaders were arrested while on peaceful demonstration in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The labour leaders, who were marching from their secretariat at Mile 50 area of state to the Government House, were intercepted and whisked to the police Command.
Nigeria workers are currently on indefinite strike to force the Federal Government to reverse the hike in fuel price.
Although there was poor compliance by workers in Ebonyi State on the directive by the national leadership of the union, as commercial banks and government offices were open for services, the demonstration by the labour leaders was meant to ensure that the strike order was strictly adhered to in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Ebonyi State, ASP George Okafor, was not on seat when our correspondent visited his office for clarifications on the arrest of the labour leaders.
But when our correspondent contacted Okafor on phone, he said that he was out of the state and therefore could not comment on the matter, saying that he was not aware of the arrest of the labour leaders.
Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe, while commenting on the matter said that there was neither arrest nor manhandling of any labour leader, saying that what happened was a case of “unlawful gathering” and it was the duty of the police to ensure that there was no civil unrest in the state.
As at the time of the report, the labour leaders and their official vehicle were still being held inside the police command.