Dr. Onwukwe Decries Invasion of Spiritual Colony, Killing By Security Operatives, Call For Thorough Investigation

By ThankGod Emeh… 

The founder of the Shiva Shidhi Fellowship International Center, Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Dr. Benjamin Chijioke Onwukwe has decried the “unwarranted and malicious attack and invasion” of his spiritual colony of over 40years; killing of the center’s potter and destroying property and investments worth over 200 million naira on 20th May 2023 by “combined team of security operatives” in the state.

Dr. Onwukwe expressed the mixed feelings to press men at the Nigeria Union of Joirnalists, NUJ Imo State Council Secretariat, Owerri.

According to the International spiritual leader who doubles as a Natural Scientist, the centre preaches peace and non-violence ever since its establishment and has been a pilgrimage site for foreigners hence Dr. Onwukwe queried the rationale behind the attack without notice or report of any breach of contract for which it was established.

The Spiritual Hermit emphasized that the fellowship was empowered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) “To Establish and maintain homes for students, pilgrims, patients and other related welfare services as may be deemed benefitting any Fellowship” among other objectives, noting that he has no relationship in any guise with IPOB and ESN members and operatives which might have informed the attack.

In his words, “I established the spiritual colony near Imo (Imemuruoche) River  in 1983 and it has attracted pilgrims over time”

“I have my own way of life devoid of fanaticism and violence and as such I don’t have any connection with IPOB and ESN whatsoever”

“I however regret to state that the environmental tranquility of the centre was violated on the 29/5/2023 when in a fashion of violence, which is hithertho unknown to the centre, some men alleged to be security operatives invaded the Spiritual colony and not only damaged our investments therein but also wantonly took life of our dear John Patrick Akinoli who until his death on that fateful day, served as our security man”

Fielding questions from journalists, the Legal Adviser to Dr. Onwukwe, Barr Charles Akwuete disclosed that the invasion and attack of the Spiritual Colony may not be unconnected to the “allegation that people who shot security men at Owerri-Nta Bridge junction, Owerri West, followed the Okpala-Mbaise road through Amoku Ife road along where the Colony is domiciled; suspecting that the criminals might have operated from the place”

Barr Akwuete who frowned at level of negligence, damage, rascality and unprofessionalism exhibited by the security operatives however stated that the matter has been reported to the Police and other security agencies, adding that proactice efforts are being seriously made by Spiritual Hermit and his legal team to get to the root of the matter.