Fury and anguish took the centre stage in Amokpo, Umuanunwa community of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State as a two-year-old prospective pupil was reportedly devoured by ten dogs belonging to a private school owner in the area.
Reports said the child was taken to the school for enrolment by his parent when the unfortunate incident occurred.
A resident, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation that the child’s parent was perfecting the documentation and registration of the child when he strayed away to where the dogs pounced on him.
He said: “The parent was busy with the child’s registration when he wandered off where the dogs, ten in number rushed at him, dragged him into their pen, and devoured him with nobody on sight to rescue him.”
The school owner, Chinedu Oka, a UK returnee, reportedly reared dogs in the school premises despite the community’s warning against it and according to the resident; “It’s a taboo to rear dogs here and the owner was warned, but he didn’t heed to the community’s instructions.”
It was gathered that the youths in the community quickly invaded the school compound and shot the entire dogs dead while parents hurriedly withdrew their wards on hearing about the tragic incident.
The traditional ruler of Nteje, Igwe Rowland Odegbo, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, described the development as an abomination in the community, assuring that justice would be served appropriately.
He said: “The man knew that dogs were prohibited and not accommodated in Nteje, but still went ahead to rear and surround himself with dogs despite warning from the community.
“To us, the young man committed murder and we have handed him over to the appropriate authorities and we will make sure that justice is served because we don’t condone evil. The youths have killed and burnt the dogs and we are in support of their action.”
When contacted, Police spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, saying the situation was under control. – The Nation
