DEATH DESCENDS ON ORSU: 18 FATALITIES IN GUNMEN'S RAMPAGE
By Ella Michaels
The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the gruesome killing of 18 people in coordinated attacks by gunmen in several communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the killings occurred in Umukabia, Eziawa, Ihittenasa, Umuhu, Amaoku, and Amaebe, all communities within Orsu LGA on Sunday. A source who pleaded anonymity revealed that the victims were discovered with suspected heavy machete wounds on their bodies.
"The police are aware of the killings and already CP Aboki Danjuma has set up a high-powered security team involving the different security agencies to unravel the case," said DSP Henry Okoye, the state Police Public Relations Officer.
Prof Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, drew attention to the incident on social media, describing it as a "systematic slaughter." He tweeted, "Information is coming in of what appears to have been systematic slaughter last night across several communities in Orsu LGA of Imo State... Interim casualty count is 23 but it looks like it could be higher."
The source revealed that the killings were suspected to be carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), with possible inside collaboration from Orsu boys.
Orsu had been under the control of IPOB and ESN for four years, but the military's recent onslaught has led to the recovery of some communities, allowing people to return gradually.
A police source revealed that the killers' intention was to instill fear into the Orsu people and force them to leave their communities again.
The police have appealed to the public to remain calm as they work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings.
