A former lawmaker, who represented Orsu state constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ekene Nnodumele has bemoaned the frequent attacks and killings of the residents of the state constituency, calling for enhanced security in the area. The lawmaker’s appeal followed the recent massacre of over 18 individuals allegedly killed on New Year’s Eve in Ihitenansa Amanaogu community in Orsu Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, who had returned home for Christmas and New Year celebrations, were attending an event in the area when armed hoodlums suddenly stormed the venue and opened fire. Nnodumele, who strongly condemned the killing and other recent attacks, lamented that residents are overwhelmed by the frequent killings plaguing the once peaceful local government.
He disclosed that another gruesome incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the same community, where victims were brutally attacked with machetes and axes, and some even beheaded. He emphasised that Orsu is now a war zone and called for increased security presence. “We are asking for more security operatives to move to OrsuLGA,” he said.
His appeal followed a fresh deadly attack on residents of Amanaogu Autonomous community Ihitenansa community in Orsu Local Government Area of the state during when, at least 11 persons, were reportedly brutally murdered by unknown assailants. According to reports, the attack occurred around 8 pm on Wednesday, January 8, when the armed men invaded the community.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that no fewer than 30 people were killed between Sunday, January 5 and Wednesday, January 8. Some reports even put the casualty figures at 40. The recent attack has left multiple casualties, with a viral video showing the bodies of at least 11 victims, including women and children, in front of their homes.
The circumstances surrounding the attack are still unclear. The victims appear to have been killed both inside their residences and at a nearby drinking joint. In one of the disturbing videos, it appeared that a family of three – father, mother, and only child – were slaughtered with their mother-in-law in front of their local business centre.
A voice in one of the videos describes a harrowing scene in which the attackers forcibly entered another house, proceeded upstairs, and brutally killed the entire family members inside.
“This very family ran into their house, locked their door and went upstairs and yet these assailants broke their doors, went after them and killed five persons inside,” the voice says.
“A mother, son and daughter and two other family members were killed in the house. This is evil.”
Another voice in one of the videos says: “You see, most of these people were killed with cutlasses and about three were shot. What sin did they commit? My heart really bleeds.” Sources said that the Amanaogu Ihitenansa autonomous community and the Amankwo Amaebu community have been the hardest hit by the violence unleashed by the gunmen.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had confirmed the killing of 18 persons by gunmen at Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihitte Nasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe last weekend saying investigations are underway.
Okoye said, “The police is aware of the killings and already CP Aboki Danjuma has set up a high-powered security team involving the different security agencies to unravel the case. The CP appeals to people to remain calm.” The police command is yet to give an update of their findings after the deadly incidents in the area.
