Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo, says a road will be named after Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, a 10-year-old boy who died during Eke Ukwu market demolition.
On August 26, the state government commenced the demolition of the market which led to a clash between security agents and traders.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sam Onwuemeodo, chief press secretary of the governor, quoted Okorocha as saying that any building also erected on the site of the demolished market would also be named after the deceased.
By demolishing and relocating the market, the governor said he has liberated the people from “a wicked clique made up of few families” who have held them captive for years.
“Not minding how and where the 10-year-old boy, late Somtochukwu Ibeanusi died on the day the Eke Ukwu Market was demolished and relocated, I will honour him by naming Douglas road after his name,” Okorocha said.
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“I have liberated Owerri indigenes from a wicked clique made up of few families in the area who have held the people captive for many years.”
The governor said the boy’s death was still a mystery as he died in Mbaise road while the demolition took place in Douglas road.
He said irrespective of the circumstances of the child’s demise, the present government would still give the deceased his due respect by immortalising him.
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Okorocha said the immortalisation was necessary since Ibeanusi died the same day Owerri residents were liberated.
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