OWERI, Nigeria — Over 50 individuals have been killed and more than 170 houses torched during a two-week spate of violence in Izombe, a community in Oguta, Imo State, according to reports from the Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC.
Igboayaka Igboayaka, National President of OYC, disclosed the devastating scale of the violence during a press briefing on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Igboayaka stated that Izombe and surrounding communities such as Agwa, Ejemkwuru, Awa, Akabuo, Mgbele, and Ogbaku have been facing escalating security challenges due to criminal elements going by the code name ‘Umuoma,’ meaning ‘Good children.’
Disturbing visuals depicting charred remains of bodies and burnt houses in Izombe went viral on social media.
In a joint statement with Secretary General, Ifeanyi Nweke, the OYC lamented the state government and security agencies’ inaction.
“Ohanaeze Youth Council noticed, with utmost dismay, the debilitating inability of Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s administration to checkmate the activities of the bandits coupled with military personnel, police and Imo State owned untrained security network called ‘Ebube-Agu’ which has resulted in more casualties and deaths,” the statement read.
Instead of restoring peace, the OYC alleges that the security forces, including Ebube-Agu, have turned against residents, especially in Izombe.
The violence has disrupted socio-economic activities, with markets, schools, and churches closed for almost eight months.
A local resident of Amakpurudere Izombe village reported that over 50 people from his village were killed by these security operatives between June 7, 2023, and June 19, 2023.
Among the identified dead are Benjamin Nwadirigbo, Nwabu Onuigbo, Obieze Ajaere, Izuka Izuaghanwa, and Chike Izuaghanwa.
The statement further alleges that the combined team of police, military, and Ebube-Agu destroyed over 170 buildings in various villages, including over 45 houses in Amakpurudere Village alone.
The security forces have also been accused of looting properties, forcing over 90% of residents to flee.
According to reports provided to the OYC, the owners of the burned houses in Amakpurudere Village include Emmanuel Chukwudoruo, Romanus Obiagwu, Philip Okoronkwo, Ifeanyi Umezuruike, Canice Ogbonna, and several others.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
He asserted that the police are committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Okoye acknowledged the presence of insurgent groups in Izombe and surrounding areas but insisted that the police have been actively raiding these camps while ensuring the safety and freedom of innocent citizens.
This incident marks one of the worst waves of violence in recent history in Imo State, and raises questions regarding the state government’s ability to maintain law and order.
The victims’ families and community leaders are demanding accountability and justice for the lives lost and the widespread destruction.
