A young community volunteer, Onovo Chigozie Valentine, has reportedly been detained by police officers in Amagunze after leading efforts to renovate a damaged secondary school building in his hometown.
The incident has generated anger among residents and supporters in Nomeh Unateze, who described the arrest as harassment targeted at a youth actively involved in community service and grassroots development projects.
According to sources within the community, strong winds had earlier destroyed the roof of Community Secondary School Nomeh, leaving the building in poor condition for an extended period without repairs.
Disturbed by the situation, Valentine was said to have coordinated community members and stakeholders to gather funds aimed at restoring the school structure.
Residents disclosed that he had spent days working with engineers and roofing specialists to inspect the extent of the damage and determine the cost of rehabilitation.
However, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, while allegedly monitoring activities at the project location, Valentine reportedly received a call from officers attached to the Amagunze Police Division requesting his presence at the station.
Sources said he complied with the invitation without resistance but was subsequently detained after arriving at the police facility.
Community members who later visited the station to seek his release were reportedly told that some unnamed local leaders had accused him of disturbing the peace within the community, although no detailed allegations or evidence were allegedly provided.
Residents who reacted to the development described Valentine as a committed youth figure known for assisting students, supporting sports activities, helping accident victims and carrying out humanitarian efforts in the area.
One resident said it was unfair for someone involved in community improvement projects to be treated like a criminal simply for trying to renovate a damaged school.
The arrest has since triggered calls for intervention from civil society organisations, human rights groups and media organisations, with many residents expressing fears that such actions could discourage youths from participating in community development initiatives.
Another resident warned that intimidating volunteers involved in humanitarian efforts could negatively affect grassroots progress and discourage civic responsibility among young people.
Attempts to obtain a response from the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, reportedly did not respond to calls or messages seeking clarification on the allegations and circumstances surrounding Valentine’s detention.