Fear Grips Residents Following Air Strikes on Suspected Hoodlum Camps
Residents in and around Osumoghu community in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State are living in fear following air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The air strikes, which were aimed at suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) camps and armouries, have created anxiety among the local population.
NAF announced in a press statement that it had conducted air operations targeting alleged IPOB camps in Mother Valley Orsumoghu, Anambra State, and Aku Ihube, Imo State, citing credible intelligence reports of planned attacks by suspected IPOB fighters on residents.
However, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, denied the NAF’s claims, asserting that the organization had no presence in the mentioned locations. IPOB accused the military of bombing innocent civilians in the affected communities.
Reports from Osumoghu reveal palpable tension in the area, with major roads appearing deserted and many shops and markets closed. Residents are reportedly fleeing their homes for fear of reprisal attacks by the dislodged hoodlums.
An octogenarian in the community, Nnanna Offor, expressed concern over the situation and the exodus of people from the area. He noted that the residents were fearful that the dislodged hoodlums might regroup and target anyone they come across, leading to the mass migration of residents to the city.
Madam Esther Nkwo, a retired teacher, echoed these concerns, stating that many youths had left the community due to fears of being labeled IPOB members and detained by security forces.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Transitional Chairman of the Nnewi South Local Government Area were unsuccessful. However, an official in the council secretariat, Chidiebere Nwosu, sought to reassure residents, emphasizing that the airstrikes were aimed at addressing the security challenges posed by hoodlums in the community.