Tragedy struck in the Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday when no fewer than 18 people were killed in coordinated attacks across six communities.
The affected communities—Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihitte Nasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe—were thrown into mourning after victims were discovered with deep machete wounds, sparking fear and outrage among residents.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who is from Orsu, brought attention to the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
Reports indicate that the attacks followed the annual masquerade festival in the region. After the celebrations, locals, including returnees visiting for the festivities, gathered at a popular drinking spot in the area. Sadly, nine people, including customers and attendants, were later found dead at the joint, all with machete-inflicted injuries.
“We were just a few blocks away, and there was no sound of gunshots or arguments,” an anonymous source told Punch.
The source alleged that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) might be responsible for the killings.
The attacks extended to homes in nearby communities, with three family members killed in Umukabia, five in Eziawa, and another five in Ihitte Nasa. The similarity of the injuries across all victims has raised suspicions of a well-coordinated operation.
“Orsu lost 18 promising lives in a single day. It’s baffling that such a massacre could occur unnoticed,” the source lamented.
Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stated that investigations are ongoing.
“The police are fully aware of the killings. Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has deployed a high-powered security team, including various agencies, to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Okoye said.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as efforts continue to restore peace and ensure justice for the victims.
(AFRIPOST)