Arondizuogu boils as child killed in gun fire 

The excitement that enveloped the annual New Yam Festival in Arondizuogu in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State was dimmed by the tragic killing of a little child by some security personnel in an operation.

Our correspondent reports that a day that held so much promise for every participant in the festival was turned into a day of mourning as the entire community went numbered and in intense grief following the murder of little Chioma Okoro.

The incident which happened on June 1, 2024, sources in the community hinted resulted from reckless handling of firearms by the invading security personnel leading to the death of Miss Chioma Okoro with several youths injured in the process.

Reports indicate that security forces invaded Ndiamazu, a peaceful community in Arondizuogu, Imo State, allegedly in search of a known IPOB activist.

Eyewitnesses stated that security forces stormed the village to arrest the IPOB kingpin, but youths of the area wouldn’t let that happen as they prevented the arrest through stiff resistance that provoked the security personnel to shoot sporadically to scare them.

“The security forces in their bid to douse rising tension fired tear gas and live bullets into the air, causing little Chioma to struggle with breathing difficulty, which ultimately led to her death”, one of the eye witnesses explained.

The youths were said to have vowed not to allow the arrest of any person from the community especially on a day meant for their cultural celebration.

In his reaction, the Community leader Chief Mike Okeke has called on both the federal and state governments to end police brutality, unwarranted arrests, and the use of armed force to harass and kill innocent members of his community.

We urge the government to take immediate action against these officers who have violated the rights of our people to free assembly and ensure they face justice.