The people of Obiakpu Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have issued a desperate plea to the state government for help as unknown gunmen continue to terrorize the area. The community, which is a hub for oil production and home to several oil companies, has been under siege for the past two weeks, leaving residents in fear and forcing many to flee their homes.
Speaking to Daily Mentor, the Eze-elect of the community, Ndubueze Nwokoma, revealed that the criminals have taken over a specific area known as Ukwugba, defying the heavy security presence in the region. Despite the presence of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, the bandits have continued their attacks unabated.
“Around the Egbema Production Centre, the Nigerian Army has a duty post, the Nigeria Police Force has a station some meters away from this post, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, are always on patrol in the localities, including the DSS and the vigilantes. Yet, there have been alleged incessant killings in Ukwugba for the past two weeks,” Nwokoma stated.
He further explained that the bandits appear to operate close to areas where these security forces are stationed, raising concerns about their ability to evade detection. The situation has left many residents homeless, with families packing their belongings and seeking refuge in neighboring communities.
The Eze-elect called on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to urgently intervene and beef up security in Obiakpu Autonomous Community, particularly in the Ukwugba area. “There is a need for Governor Uzodinma to deploy more crack teams of security personnel to the area to restore peace and protect our people,” he emphasized.
The ongoing crisis has disrupted daily life in the community, with residents living in constant fear of attacks. As the situation worsens, the people of Obiakpu are urging the government to take immediate action to address the security challenges and ensure their safety.
Daily Mentor News Online will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on efforts to restore peace and security in the affected community.
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