A mother of three, Mrs Nkemakolam Nnamani, has alleged severe disfigurement after reportedly being brutalized by officials of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) for intervening in their alleged misconduct.
Mrs Nnamani, a nursing mother, claimed she was assaulted with a pestle and subjected to public humiliation after she pleaded with the squad to show mercy to an elderly woman they were allegedly mistreating.
Recalling the incident, Mrs Nnamani stated, “The incident occurred at Upper Iweka, near the Onitsha head bridge a few weeks ago. I was brutalized and humiliated by SASA operatives for questioning their actions towards an elderly woman on the road.”
She further narrated, “I was in a commercial vehicle headed to Asaba that day. As the bus was loading at the park, I saw SASA officials in their uniforms and combat trousers assaulting an elderly woman with pestles and other weapons. I pleaded with them to stop, but one of them rushed to the bus, dragged me out, and started attacking me with a pestle.”
“After the assault, they took me to their camp where I was forced to pay a large sum of money to secure my release, amidst further abuse and injuries,” she added.
Mrs Nnamani revealed that her injuries have worsened over time, requiring multiple visits to orthopedic hospitals. She expressed distress over her deteriorating condition and the financial strain to continue medical treatment, fearing the possibility of losing her leg.
She continued, “Despite their initial visit when they heard about my worsening condition, bringing along their leader who gave me N50,000, they have not returned. I am in excruciating pain, unable to walk or work, and struggling to care for my four children.”
Calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo for assistance, Mrs Nnamani pleaded for justice and support amidst her dire circumstances.
