Two Anambra and Imo state communities bordering each other, Lilu (Ihiala LGA) and Orsuihiteukwa (Orsu LGA) have raised the alarm over recent killings by gunmen in their communities.
The outcry led by youths of the neighboring communities specifically fingered a previously booming location, unfortunately baptized ‘Murder Valley’ by the gunmen, as the main black spot and operational base of the murderous gangsters.
These gunmen, it was gathered, have extinguished every form of economic activity, decorum, and sanity, and replaced them with the guns and language of the jungle, where might was power.
The location named Udeke by their ancestors, according to history, was renamed by the hoodlums as it has sadly become a spot where they do the absurd.
They reportedly rape, robbed, killed, maimed, and carried out human sacrifices there for years now.
The Orsuihiteukwa Youths/the young-at-heart in the community, led by Orsuihiteukwa Gadinma Ozo, took a select team of journalists, historians, anthropologists, and documentarians to see things for themselves.
While addressing the visitors, the spokesperson for the community, who gave his name simply as “Chukwuebuka”, noted that he is presently keeping his full name under cover now for obvious security reasons, but said they were tired of running away from their homeland.
Chukwuebuka lamented that it was indeed doubtful if the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the State Assembly still recognized Orsuihiteukwa and other neighbouring communities now daily soaked in blood as part of Imo State.”
He bemoaned the sad situation in which the historically popular Eke Ututu market, which had hitherto drawn patrons from all corners of the world, had become a wild forest in the last six years, when insurgency began in the area.
Chukwuebuka told the visitors that, mainly, the two villages of Orsu and Uda were the worst hit, as almost all residents were driven out of their ancestral homes.
“Moreso, all the major access roads, farmlands, bushpaths, etc have been laced with deadly landmines, and need military sweep as it has been decimating unsuspecting natives.
“We are asking- Is Orsuihiteukwa still part of Imo State? Where has our share of revenue allocation, appointments, and other democracy dividends been going?” he queried.
According to a resident who mustered enough courage to speak to the visiting team, the Federal and two States governments have failed themselves and their children.
He regretted that despite the numerous calls for assistance made to the Imo and Anambra State Governments, it appears they have been abandoned to their own fate.
“Our neighbours, Lilu, in Anambra, are passing through the same challenge, and it is worrisome that the government has failed our people by not meeting their first responsibility, which is the security of lives and property.
“These killings have continued, and our people are not safe at all.
“If nothing is done, these criminals may end up wiping out our entire community before moving on to the next community. That is why we are calling for the Federal Government and the Imo and Anambra State Governments’ intervention,” he pleaded.
