Scores killed, houses destroyed as security agencies bombard Enugu community

By Jude Odoh, Enugu

Barely one year after troops of the Nigerian Army and other security operatives raided Akpawfu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, they returned to the community again on setting houses ablaze and arresting anyone in sight.

It could be recalled that in July 2021, a combined team of security agencies had stormed the community in search of members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The development forced residents to flee their homes.

However, a few months after they barely returned, the security operatives are back again, leading to heavy bombardment of the community.

There are claims that the community is being used as a hideout by the IPOB members.

One of the main targets in the raid is one Aniemeka Peter Jude, who is said to be a key member of the IPOB.

At the last count, scores were killed, with many houses and invaluable properties set ablaze by the combined security operatives.

The raids which, sources said, commenced since Thursday came to a head on Saturday morning, with military helicopters dropping explosives in forests within Ajeme Akpawfu village where the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the militia arm of the IPOB believably used as camp.

Security sources revealed that some gunmen terrorising parts of Nkanu land and Enugu city were believed to be hiding in the forest.

A community leader, Chief Ukadike Mbah, who spoke to our correspondent in a trembling voice, described the situation as devastating.

He said the repeated bombardment of the community in less than one year was highly unjustifiable and condemnable.

“They (the soldiers) came into the community searching house to house, arresting scores of youths.

“They came in armoured vehicles, airforce and other operational vehicles situated in strategic places within the community, particularly.

“As I speak with you, there is a mass exodus of people, especially the youths from the community.

“All young men in the community and even women have fled the community as the soldiers claimed that those houses being searched were used as camping grounds by the IPOB.

“They claimed that some of our sons, Aniemeka Peter Jude, Christian Madu, Ernest Ebenyi, Chikodili Nwomeh, among others are ringleaders of IPOB.

“For this reason, they have levelled our community and arrested every youth in sight, including some of these people I mentioned above,” he lamented.

He vowed that the community would hold governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi responsible for the destruction.

“He is the Chief Security Officer; therefore, he must have authorised this carnage and wanton destruction of lives and property.

“A time will come when they will answer for this,” he vowed.

The Nigerian Army is yet to issue any statement on the operation.