Imo state crisis: gunmen kill seven village leaders

Tragedy struck again in Imo State on the evening of Saturday, August 4, 2024, when gunmen reportedly shot and killed Hyginus Ohazurike.

Until his death, Ohazurike was the President-General of the Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area in the state.

According to reports, six village leaders from the autonomous community were also killed by the gunmen.

A resident of the community reported that the gunmen arrived in a vehicle and attacked while the victims were having a community meeting.

Eyewitness account

The resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:

“Some gunmen have just shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village heads.

“The PG and the village heads were having a meeting at the PG’s shop, located at the community’s market when the attackers arrived.

“On arrival, the gunmen opened fire, killed all the community leaders, and set the place ablaze. All the community chiefs died in the attack.”

According to the villager, “nobody knew the agenda of the meeting.

“They were having a meeting at the PG’s shop when the gunmen arrived.

“They opened fire, killed all the village chiefs in attendance, and burnt the place before driving off,” he added.

At the moment, villagers have fled their homes, many residents are now seeking safety elsewhere.

Mr. Emeka Obi, the sole administrator of the local government area, confirmed the killings while addressing his constituents.

He condemned the violence and urged everyone to remain calm.

Recent activities of gunmen in Imo State

It could be recalled that gunmen recently killed a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress (name withheld).

He was killed alongside seven other people in the same community.

Over the past week, starting from Monday, gunmen killed four police officers and a Point of Sale (POS) operator.

The incident took place at Irette community along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Owerri, the state capital.

On Monday, gunmen attacked Umuelemai junction in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, killing one person and setting a vehicle on fire.

The next day, gunmen killed a businessman named Okey Nze, also known as Wealthy Empire.

Wealthy Empire was shot at Amawire junction in the Orji community of Owerri North Local Government Area.

On the same day, gunmen shot and killed a policeman named OC Ireozor and a community chief, Paulinus Mbakwe, in Nworieubi, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

Who is Hyginus Ohazurike?

Hyginus Ohazurike is a notable figure in Nigeria.

He is particularly known for his involvement in various social and political activities in Imo State.

He has actively advocated for the rights and welfare of the Igbo people.

Ohazurike has also held leadership roles in organizations like the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a notable socio-cultural group for the Igbo ethnic group.

Gunmen in South East

South East, predominantly inhabited by Igbos, has experienced series of violent attacks by gunmen in recent years.

Various groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have carried out these attacks.

The Nigerian government labeled IPOB a terrorist organization, and there have been numerous clashes between security forces and suspected IPOB members.

The violence has not only targeted security personnel but also civilians and public infrastructure.

For example, in March 2022, gunmen attacked 2 police stations in Owerri, Imo State capital, killing a constable.

The governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, revealed that all gunmen caught in the state were Igbo, highlighting the internal nature of the conflict.

These incidents have created a climate of fear and instability in the region, affecting the daily lives of residents.

The situation remains complex, with various political, criminal, and ideological factors contributing to the violence.

Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State

Isiala Mbano LGA is located in Imo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Umuelemai.

The LGA covers an area of 166 square kilometers and had a population of approximately 198,736 as of the 2006 census.

Isiala Mbano is known for its diverse communities and rich cultural heritage.

It comprises 39 autonomous communities spread across 12 political wards with 196 polling stations.

The area is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group, and the Igbo language is widely spoken.

Christianity is the most practiced religion in the region.

Agriculture primarily drives the local economy, with key crops including maize, oil palm, and cassava.

The area also hosts several markets, such as the Owerre Anara and Orie Amaraku markets, which trade various commodities.

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