Imo State: A new Afghanistan in the making?
3 min read
The disturbances and deep rooted bloody crises in Imo State especially in Orlu Senatorial Zone have continued to claim the lives of innocent civilians, youths and even police officers and the loss of properties worth millions of Naira has continued to be on the rise.
The clamour for the creation and the total independence of the Biafran nation out of the country by the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has assumed a dangerous dimension for some years now since the organization began a violent face-off with the Nigerian forces. From Mbaitolu LGA to Njaba, Orsu, Oru and Isu local government areas, several communities such as Izombe, Awo Omamma, Ihioma, Umuaka, and others have all received their special dozes of extreme violent activities between yet to be identified gunmen and state security agencies especially the dreaded Ebubeagu. Many families have lost their loved ones in the crises while many others have fled their homes as internally displaced persons.
The killing of 14 youths in the state by the Ebubeagu security agency in 2022 seems to have opened the infamous Pandora’s Box in the state. Reports have it that the murder of 14 defenceless youths created fear among youths and their families in a state formally known for her peaceful disposition over the years. Reports Umuaka Times has been following indicate that the killings and disappearances in the state are still ongoing and the people have continued to suffer and live in fear.
One of such persons who have suffered deeply in the face-off between the state and supporters of Biafra is Mr Ukeoma Paul Ikechukwu. According to the information that recently reached Umuaka Times, Mr Ukeoma Paul Ikechukwu is a Biafran supporter who hails from Njaba Local Government Area of Orlu in the state. He genuinely wants the realization of Biafra through a peaceful process but he is not an IPOB member. From what he told Umuaka Times, his late dad who was a member of IPOB just left the house on a certain day and never returned till date. He strongly suspects that his dad may have been killed by the state sponsored security service, Ebubeagu.
Ikechukwu narrated to Umuaka Times how the same security agencies came looking for him after the disappearance of his dad on the allegation that he belonged to IPOB. On one of such occasions, his old mother was attacked with a dangerous substance which was poured on her leg. The poor widow is still suffering from serious leg decay till date according to him. It was at this juncture that his mother advised him to flee; otherwise he would be the next victim.
Ikechukwu disclosed to Umuaka Times that he narrowly escaped death as he believed he was a target also due to his love and support for Biafran independence.
While reaching out from his hideout which he refused to disclose, Mr Ikechukwu alleged that his case is so sad because he is the first son of the family. “I am now into hiding because of my life. I would have been dead today if I did not escape.”
From what Umuaka Times gathered, many persons in Imo State both state and non-state actors have lost their lives as a result of conflicts associated with state security agencies and members of IPOB. In Oguta local council, houses and shops belonging to traders were set ablaze and properties worth millions of Naira lost.
A couple of months ago, gunmen killed more than 7 soldiers, police officers and others in the state and set their patrol vehicle on fire in the Mbano area of the state. In November 2023, about two police officers and two civilians were also killed in the state by yet to be identified gunmen. Umuaka Times also gathered that more than 3 adult in similar circumstances in Orsu LGA.
Another report had it that many civilians were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Ihioma town in Orlu. IPOB spokesman, Mr Emma Powerful openly accused the Nigerian Army of being the brain behind the killings of civilians in Orlu.
Despite several efforts to restore peace by stake holders in the state, violence and killings of innocent civilians and state actors have continued to wreak havoc on the people of Orlu. If something positive is not done urgently, Orlu may soon become a ghost town.
