In a series of coordinated attacks that unfolded across several communities within Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday, no fewer than 18 lives were tragically lost.
The attacks, which occurred across multiple communities in Orsu Local Government Area, including Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihitte Nasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe, left no fewer than 18 people dead.
The victims sustained severe machete wounds, causing widespread fear and outrage among the local population.
A former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission and a native of Orsu, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu brought attention to the tragic events in Imo State on Monday through his X account.
According to reports, the unpleasant incident followed the conclusion of the annual masquerade festival celebrated in Umuhu, Amaoku, Amaebe, and neighboring communities when some locals, including those who had returned home for the holidays, gathered at a local drinking establishment.
A horrifying scene unfolded when passersby discovered all nine individuals within the drinking joint – customers and staff alike – lifeless and covered in blood. They had all been brutally attacked with machetes.
A source who pleaded anonymity, said, “Everybody in the joint, all nine people were discovered dead, either customers or attendants, they had been butchered with deep machete cuts all over.
“We were just a few blocks away from there and nobody heard any sound of gunshot or argument. We suspect that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network that were behind this.”
He mentioned that three corpses were discovered in Umukabia, consisting of family members, five corpses in Eziawa village, and another five corpses in Ihitte Nasa, all with machete cuts on the same day.
“I can’t explain how these incidents happened and nobody noticed. Three people in Umukabia, five in Ezinwa, and another five in Ihitte Nasa villages and nobody saw the killers come in nor when leaving. Orsu lost 18 promising lives in one day.
“We suspect that these killings were done with inside collaboration with Orsu boys who are members of IPOB and ESN members that we don’t know,” the source said.
Orsu has faced years of challenges due to the dominance of IPOB and ESN, leading to the displacement of many residents. However, recent military operations have helped reclaim parts of the area, enabling a gradual return of the displaced population.
Meanwhile, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the occurrence of these tragic killings and stated that investigations are currently underway.
Okoye mentioned, “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.”
According to an anonymous police source, the attackers may have intended to instill fear within the communities and ultimately drive residents away once more.
