Suspected ESN/IPOB gunmen kill 3 in Imo, instilling fear among residents
At least three people have been confirmed dead in Imo State following a fresh attack by armed gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN)/the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to reports, the gunmen struck at Orogwe in Owerri-west LGA of the state, killing two pedestrians. Later, they killed another person at Ndegwu after having a field day in the area.
An indigene of Orogwe community, who pleaded anonymity, said the residents can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. Many have fled the community out of fear of the unknown.
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“It’s sad and terrifying. Ndegwu, Orogwe, and other neighbouring communities in Owerri West no longer feel safe. Just yesterday, two people were killed at Orogwe, and another at Ndegwu by the same attackers,” he said.
The anonymous source further mentioned that the attackers seemed to be operating as armed robbers, pointing out that even a former Enugu Psychiatrist Director had his vehicle snatched from him on Monday.
He questioned the effectiveness of the show of force by the Commissioner of Police, saying, “I thought they had moved into the rural areas as the command earlier promised.”
“The incidents are becoming a daily occurrence, and it’s unbearable. The command must be aware of the snatching of the former Enugu Psychiatrist Director’s vehicle because after the incident, the police and army besieged the scene with armoured carriers,” he added.
“Our communities need genuine community policing. The Commissioner of Police should send his patrol teams here to beef up the security network. Our people are being killed daily.”
When contacted, the Imo State Police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, stated that the command had not yet been briefed on the incident.
“I am yet to receive an official report on the cases, but one thing you must know is that you cannot completely eradicate crime from any society,” he said.
“The aim of the Command is to drastically reduce crime in the state and ensure that offenders are detected, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law. We also have to be security conscious. ‘If you see something, say something.’ If you see anyone with firearms, report it to the police. If you notice anyone making suspicious moves, report it as well. Let’s enlighten the public on the need to partner with the police, especially in sharing actionable intelligence and information.”