ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Residents of Orogwe community in Owerri Local Government Area of Imo State, on Tuesday night deserted the area after seven people were shot dead by gunmen who invaded the community on Monday night.
A source in the area who gave his name as Kelechi Ugwumba told Daily Post that almost all his neighbours have not been sleeping at home since the incident.
Ugwumba said although some of them return in the morning, they told him that they would not be sleeping in their homes until they are assured of safety.
His words, “I was at the office yesterday (Tuesday ) when my wife called to tell me that people were leaving the area to avoid being attacked.
”It was in the evening, but because I still had some things to do in the office, I sent my sister to stay with my wife and daughter. When I returned, she told one of her friends, who is also our neighbour, that the victims’ relatives had sent information that they would avenge the killing of their brothers.”
It was gathered that trouble started after security operatives suspected to be members of the Ebubeagu security outfit came to the village and whisked a youth away.
In retaliation, some gunmen stormed the community and began a shooting spree.
Seven persons reportedly died during the gun battle, while others were rushed to the Emergency Unit of the Federal Medical Center- Owerri where one of them was confirmed dead this morning.
The President-General of the Community, Mr Benji Iheanacho in reaction, condemned the attack.
He said that the attackers wanted to paint the peaceful community black, insisting that the community had no hand in the attack.
Iheanacho added that the community would make an official statement after a stakeholders meeting on 3/8/2022.
Speaking on the incident also, Martin Nwoke, a resident of the community said he had fled Orogwe community.
“I have relocated to our family house in Akwakuma, Orlu road. I am still there, for now, I’ll be coming to stay in the daytime”
On his part, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde promised that the Command will go all out in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He appealed for calm and enjoined the people of the state to assist the police and other security agencies by giving them credible information, and report any clandestine activities observed in their communities to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency control numbers; 08034773600 or 08098880197.
He also ordered a discreet investigation into the incident.