IPOB: Ten youths killed as security agents raid Imo community

By Chibuzor Nwandu, Owerri

An early morning raid by a joint team of security operatives has claimed 10 lives in Imo State community.

Our correspondent learnt that they were killed during a massive raid of Ndi Akunwanta Uno, Arondizuogu, in Imo State by a combined team of security agencies.

The security agencies were said to be on the chase of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN.

A man identified as Nnamdi Okonkwo lost his life and that of his two sons during the deadly shooting.

A source in the community said the midnight raid has left the people traumatized.

The President-General of the community, Chief Chinedu Umezurike, who spoke to journalists on the development, decried the killing of Mr Okonkwo and his two sons.

He said the invasion of the community and the subsequent killing of over 10 persons, and setting ablaze of houses was condemnable.

According to him, “the mayhem visited upon our sleepy community last Tuesday September 19, 2023, has not been explained, except the fact that they said some of our people are members of IPOB.

“But is this a justifiable reason to wipe out an entire family?

“Also, an elder statesman in our community, Chief Mazi Michael Obidinnu kanu also battling for life in the hospital.

“His son, Nnaemeka Victor Kanu was one of those marked to be murdered by the security agencies over alleged IPOB membership.

“As the security agencies brought down doors and marched into the house shooting recklessly, the old man slumped. His son escaped miraculously before the security agencies got to their house, but they declared him wanted.

“He was taken to the hospital where there have been efforts to revive him. This is way too many for our community,” he lamented. He also disclosed that several houses were set ablaze by the security operatives.

“Is that how to fight crime? By destroying people’s properties?

“While we demand justice for the victims, we want to say that enough is enough.

“Under international law, don’t people have the right for self determination? This cruel treatment against the Ndigbo of South-East Nigeria should stop,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has insisted that Nnaemeka Victor Kanu should appear from his hiding and answer questions over IPOB-related activities.

However, Nnameka’s sister, Nonye Kanu, told journalists that his brother is not a member of IPOB.

“He has never been a member of IPOB; everyone knows that he is just a youth leader in the community.

“They should leave my brother alone; they have destroyed our house, my father is battling for life,” she said amid tears.