Residents in the Owerri Senatorial District of Imo State are filled with fear as gunmen and kidnappers continue to wreak havoc in the area, making it a flashpoint for insecurity.
Although the district has been known as the only relatively peaceful zone in Imo State, within the last three months, it has experienced fatal attacks that have caused deaths and destruction of property.
For instance, in Ngor Okpala, which has been one of the worst-hit areas, there have been three fatal attacks. The first attack occurred in late March when members of the civil defence corps were ambushed while on patrol. Three people were killed instantly while two others were seriously injured.
In April, five policemen were killed along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, including a husband and wife who owned a canteen in the area. Barely a month later, two more policemen were killed while one was injured at a checkpoint in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
Unrest has spread to communities in the area, with residents revealing that they no longer feel safe and are always alert. Furthermore, a common border community in Owerri West is also experiencing similar attacks from unknown gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order.
A community source said three people were shot dead by the gunmen, including a police officer, minibus driver and store owners. In response, the military deployed armoured cars and other equipment to the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, addressed the attacks and urged Imolites to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons to the police.
With insecurity escalating in Owerri Zone, residents are calling on the government to intervene and apprehend the perpetrators.
