In the past two weeks, a renewed attack on the residents of Izombe in Oguta, Imo State, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 50 lives and the destruction of over 170 houses. The National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Igboayaka O Igboayaka, shared this distressing information during a press briefing in the state capital, Owerri, over the weekend…..Continue Reading>>>

According to Igboayaka, the communities of Izombe, Agwa, Ejemkwuru, Awa, Akabuo, Mgbele, and Ogbaku have been plagued by incessant security challenges caused by criminal elements operating under the name ‘Umuoma’ (Good children). A video that went viral depicted the charred remains of bodies and houses allegedly burnt in the Izombe communities.

In a joint statement with the Secretary-General, Ifeanyi Nweke, the national president expressed deep regret that both the state government and security agencies remained silent while innocent lives were being lost and millions of naira worth of property were destroyed. The statement criticized Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration for its failure to effectively address the activities of bandits, as well as the negative impact of the military, police, and the state’s untrained security network known as “Ebube-Agu,” which have resulted in more casualties and deaths. Rather than fostering peace and tranquility, these security forces and Ebube-Agu have become hostile towards the residents, especially in Izombe.

Unfortunately, the dire situation has disrupted socio-economic activities, leading to the closure of markets, schools, and churches in Izombe for nearly eight months. A resident of Amakpurudere Izombe village claimed that over 50 natives of his village were killed by security forces between June 7 and June 19, 2023. The statement provided a list of identified individuals killed in Amakpurudere Village, including Benjamin Nwadirigbo, Nwabu Onuigbo (aka Danvata), Obieze Ajaere, Izuka Izuaghanwa, and Chike Izuaghanwa.

Witnesses from the community reported similar killings in other villages of Izombe, such as Ndiawa, Ndioko, Orsu, Ugbele, and Agwa, a neighboring community. The combined forces of the police, untrained and illegal Ebube-Agu, and the military have also destroyed more than 170 buildings across various villages, with 45 houses alone in Amakpurudere Village.

Furthermore, it was reported that security forces, including Ebube-Agu, engaged in looting, exacerbating the suffering of the people of Izombe. As a result, more than 90% of the residents have fled their community for safety…..Continue Reading>>>

Since June 7 to June 12, 2023, thousands of people have fled Izombe due to the reckless actions of the security operatives that led to the deaths of Benjamin and four others, according to community reports received by the Ohanaeze Youth Council.

The houses destroyed in Amakpurudere Village belong to Emmanuel Chukwudoruo, Romanus Obiagwu, Philip Okoronkwo, Ifeanyi Umezuruike, Canice Ogbonna, Herbert Nwoke, late Lucky Nwoke, Lambart Ekejiuba, Simeon Ekejiuba, Sabastine Okereke, Emeka Awaeze, and Dominic Iwuanyanwu. Other affected residents include Benjamin Ohanyirim, Jerome Ohanyirim, Late Marcelinus Ogbonna, Lawrence Ogbonna, Calistus Ononiwu, Chief Alex

The post Gunmen attack an Imo community, killing 50 people and razing 170 homes. appeared first on 042jam Media.