Fear and tension have gripped residents of three local government areas in Imo State, Nigeria, as gunmen operate freely, particularly between 8 pm and 11 pm along the Owerri-Okigwe road, which connects Okigwe, Ihitte-Uboma, and Onuimo local government areas. The situation follows a recent attack on Umuezeala Owerre in Ehime Mbano Council area of Imo state, resulting in the tragic deaths of five security operatives from the State’s Joint Task Force (JTF), which comprises two NDLEA personnel, one Civil Defense officer, one Police officer, and an Air Force Officer. Some eyewitnesses claim the number of killed officers to be eight.
Residents in these affected areas are living in fear and have called on the police to increase security, especially in the Onuimo to Okigwe axis. They have reported that unknown gunmen drive into their communities at night, shooting indiscriminately. This has forced some people to abandon their homes, leaving houses occupied by strangers who live there with firearms.
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A traditional title holder and farmer in Onuimo said, “We can not talk again. They drive into our communities at night and shoot anyhow. Our people have abandoned their homes. Some of the houses now are occupied by strangers. They live there with their guns.” Another resident from Ihitte Uboma and a bus driver emphasized that the government should rebuild police stations that were burnt down by these gunmen and equip officers with sophisticated weapons to face the security challenges.
In Okigwe, residents are living in constant fear, especially in villages bordering Anambra State, which have come under siege by gunmen. They have called for more protection and an end to the killings.
Former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim expressed his concerns about the security situation in the state, highlighting the urgent need for job opportunities to address the challenges faced by the youth.
In response to the rising insecurity, the Imo State police command has deployed a special tactical team to address the issue and improve security in the affected areas. Authorities and security forces are under increasing pressure to curb the activities of criminal gangs operating in various parts of Nigeria and ensure the safety and security of residents.
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