Residents living in and around the Osumoghu community within the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State find themselves gripped by fear in the aftermath of air strikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force. The anxiety has driven many individuals to flee their homes, dreading potential reprisal attacks from the groups believed to have been dislodged from the forests surrounding their communities.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday, officially confirmed through its spokesperson, Commodore Edward Gabkwet, that it conducted air strikes on alleged camps and armories linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). These strikes occurred in Mother Valley, Orsumoghu, situated in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as well as in Aku Ihube, located within the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The NAF spokesperson revealed that these air operations were initiated based on credible intelligence reports suggesting that suspected IPOB militants had finalized their plans to carry out violent actions against residents.
The resulting unrest has triggered an exodus of residents from their homes, with individuals seeking safer environments away from the affected areas. The prevailing unease underscores the profound impact of these security measures on the civilian population, leading to apprehension and the need for protection against potential retaliation.
As the situation continues to evolve, both the affected residents and the security forces remain on high alert, emphasizing the complexities and tensions surrounding the ongoing security operations in the region.
But IPOB, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a press statement on Thursday, debunked NAF’s claims, insisting that it does not have any camp in the said locations. It accused the military of bombing innocent civilians living in those communities.
When our correspondent visited the Osumoghu community in Nnewi South LGA, there was palpable tension as major roads in the area appeared deserted and most shops and markets in the area did not open.
An octogenarian in the community, who identified himself as Nnanna Offor, said, “Indigenes of the Orsumoghu community have started fleeing in droves for fear that the terrorists may regroup and attack them.
“Those hoodlums are heartless. They do not even care who their brothers are, that is the main reason no one wants to take chances at the moment.
“Our people are leaving the community now. There are rumors that the terrorists are regrouping, and there is the likelihood that with the anger, anyone they find will be their target. I am the only one left at home in the village as all my people have run to the city.
“As you can see, the roads are not busy the way they ought to be and commercial activities have slowed down because the traders are not opening their shops.”
Another indigene, Madam Esther Nkwo, a retired teacher, said, “Our hearts are in our mouths at the moment. The only people you will find in the community right now are the elderly; the youths have fled.
“This is because the security operatives go after the innocent youths by tagging them IPOB and in the process take them away. The whereabouts of many people in the community who have been whisked away in such circumstances have remained unknown, so this is the reason it seems they are fleeing.”
Efforts to get the reactions of the Transitional Chairman of the Nnewi South LGA proved abortive as calls and messages to his telephone line were not responded to.
But an official in the council secretariat, Chidiebere Nwosu, said residents needed not to panic, saying the airstrikes were targeted at hoodlums disturbing the peace of the community.
