The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, yesterday released graphic videos and photographs of the attack on the Orsu-Ihiteukwa Community in Imo State’s Orsu Local Government Area by alleged members of the Ebubeagu security outfit.
The organisation blamed Governor Hope Uzodimma for the scenario, accusing him of ordering the security team to carry out the heinous act, which included attacks on buildings, the killing of citizens, and the burning of houses and shops.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPoB Leader Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Adviser, made the allegation in a statement titled ‘Black Weekend in Orsu-Ihiteukwa, Orsu LGA of Imo State.’
However, Oguwike Nwachukwu, the state governor’s Chief Press Secretary, cleared Uzodimma of the attacks.
He said: “You know that people can allege anything against the governor because it gives them joy doing so. If there was no salt in the food served them by their wives, it was Governor Uzodimma that caused it.
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“But to answer you directly, Governor Uzodimma has never, can never, and will never give instruction to security operatives or anybody for that matter to kill innocent people.
“Please, get in touch with security agencies because the concern you have raised bothers on security.
“However, let me say that it is unfortunate that we often ignore the operational rule of engagement that exists within the security agencies, with their different hierarchies taking responsibility for their actions, but resort to mischievous finger-pointing at Governor Uzodimma. That is not fair.”
Ejiofor, quoting “verifiable and credible eyewitness accounts,” said the hitherto peaceful community “was this weekend, invaded by the combined team of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s Ebubeagu security outfit and the Nigerian Army.”
He said: “It is heart-rending that at this period of economic downturn, the only available daily market in the community, where the downtrodden go for communal trade, in search of their daily bread was completely razed to the ground, and homes burnt by these evil monsters acting on behalf of the state government.
“Indigenes of the community were thrown into this unexpected horror, and out of fear, they have fled from their very own ancestral homes. Right now, Orsu-Ihiteukwa is a ghost town.
“We are asking the Governor of Imo State – could there be any justification, whatsoever, under any known law in Nigeria, as well as the international jurisprudence, that sanctioned this oppressive, barbaric, wicked, soulless, and evil destruction of the lives and properties of his people that he swore to protect?
“Was it an engagement strategy, envisaged, permitted, and consequently, sanctioned within the operational rules of engagement of the Nigerian security agents? The answer is capital no.
“Furthermore, if the overzealous security agents are in hot chase of targeted criminal elements, can’t they profile and define their targets? Can this oppressive conduct occur in any other region or part of Nigeria?
“Remember, Governor Uzodimma, that power is transient, it does not last forever! You must not also forget that you will give an account of your stewardship someday and one day, very certainly, before the International Criminal Court of Justice.
“These monumental atrocities, genocidal killing of innocent lives, destruction of properties, and obvious crimes against humanity, brazenly perpetrated and superintended under Governor Uzodimma’s watch with reckless abandon/impunity is extremely cruel and the shreds of evidence abound.
“Again, we continue to call on responsible foreign governments and foreign institutions to prevail on the Nigerian government, under whose domain these crimes against humanity are being perpetrated on a daily basis, to call their lawless security agents to order.
“The actions of the Nigerian security agents in conjunction with the governor’s Ebubeagu security outfit are not only barbaric and wicked but condemnable.
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“We, therefore, call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in these inhumane, wicked, and barbaric acts.Enough is enough! We urge the Governor of Imo State to retrace his steps and embrace peace, for the overall well-being of his state and people.”
