Bandits take over Ukwugba in Imo, residents flee for safety

DDM News

Despite heavy security presence, bandits have taken control of Ukwugba in Obiakpu autonomous community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that residents of Ukwugba are now homeless, with many fleeing to neighboring communities for safety.

The attacks have reportedly lasted for about two weeks, leaving the people in fear and uncertainty.

Locals have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene urgently and restore peace in the troubled community.

Security presence fails to stop bandits

The Eze-elect of Ukwugba, Chief Ndubueze Nwokoma, expressed concern over the worsening security situation.

He noted that the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have operational posts within the community.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes also patrol the area.

Despite their presence, bandits continue to attack residents and cause destruction in Ukwugba.

“For two weeks, there have been persistent killings, yet the security personnel seem unable to stop the bandits,” Nwokoma lamented.

Residents claim that these criminals operate close to security stations without fear of being confronted.

Many believe that the current security personnel are either overwhelmed or unwilling to engage the attackers effectively.

The presence of armed forces has done little to reassure the people, who now live in constant fear.

Residents face humanitarian crisis

Many residents of Ukwugba have abandoned their homes and belongings to seek refuge in safer locations.

Some have moved to neighboring villages, where they struggle with food shortages and lack of shelter.

A resident described the situation as unbearable, saying, “We can no longer sleep peacefully because bandits attack without warning.”

Children and the elderly are the most affected, with reports of many falling ill due to poor living conditions.

Families have been separated, and many people remain uncertain about when they can return home safely.

The crisis has worsened in the past few days, with more people forced to leave the area.

Calls for government intervention

The Eze-elect has urged Governor Uzodimma to deploy a more tactical security team to combat the bandits.

“There is no justification for why bandits should operate freely in an area with multiple security formations,” Nwokoma stated.

He emphasized that if the current security personnel cannot contain the situation, stronger reinforcements should be sent immediately.

Community leaders have also called for collaboration between state and federal security agencies to address the crisis.

They believe that intelligence gathering and swift action are needed to dislodge the criminals from Ukwugba.

Imo State residents and stakeholders are worried that insecurity is threatening lives and economic activities.

Bandits continue to terrorize Ukwugba, raising fears of further escalation if no urgent action is taken.

There are concerns that if left unchecked, the violence may spread to other parts of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

For now, Ukwugba remains a ghost town,

with its people displaced and uncertain about their future.

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