By NewsBits
Villagers have fled the Akpawfu Community in the Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State following indiscriminate attacks and killings, which have recently rocked the community.
A group of miscreants who have been referred to as unknown gunmen have invaded the markets severally, attacked and killed innocent people in their homes. Out of fear the people have fled the community to neighbouring villages while those who have relations in Enugu have relocated to the State capital.
Akpawfu became a flashpoint for violence when soldiers raided the Agudene forest killed and arrested gunmen believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN. Their hideouts were destroyed, stolen vehicles and other items including guns recovered. Some of them were also killed, some arrested while some escaped.
As the security operatives continued to raid the community following criminal atrocities in and around the neighborhood, the miscreants most of who are indigenes started targeting those they feel where giving information against them. One of their targets is the traditional ruler of Ajame Ameze Autonomous Community Igwe Christopher Nnamani.
He was attacked and part of his house destroyed by the hoodlums for allegedly working with security agents in the several raids during which their members were killed. Several houses have since been burnt as the drums of war continue to sound. Our source confirmed that gradually the situation has continued to degenerate into a major faceoff between the Umu Odenigbo (outcasts) and Umu Ikenga, a similar crisis that led to years of war in neighbouring Oruku and Umuode.
Following claims that majority of people killed are Umu Ikenga, the uprising has been described in some quarters as an attempt to cause confusion and get the traditional ruler removed and probably install their own person. Speaking on the situation in his community Igwe Nnamani noted that those killed by Soldiers were people security operatives found to be kidnappers and armed robbers engaging in all manner of crimes and criminalities in the communities.
Names of most of the suspects and current actors in the current attacks are said to be on the wanted list of security operatives. “Just go to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu and state police Command to ask them about the matter. You will get the correct information of how Soldiers killed some of them and those who are on wanted list.”
The other side has, however, alleged killings and burning of houses of those the Traditional Ruler Igwe Christopher Nnamani, labelled outcast. The monarch has denied the accusations, noting that he did not kill or direct that anyone should be killed.
