By Chinaza Osigwe
The Isuanaocha community in Anambra State has made a passionate appeal to stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, the International Community, and human rights organizations, to intervene in the rising insecurity and terrorism in the area.
According to the community, the once peaceful and serene environment has been turned into a hub for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other heinous crimes. The community alleged that some individuals in the area are responsible for the crisis, which started after the former President General of the Community, Chief Tony Onyeagolu, resisted attempts to partition and share the undeveloped part of the Isuaniocha Community Secondary School land.
The community claimed that the suspects, led by a former local government chairman of Awka North Local Government Area, recruited thugs and caused mayhem in Isuanaocha Community. They alleged that the suspects destroyed properties valued at millions of naira, including a family house and a magnificent storey building.
“We are living in fear, our lives and properties are no longer safe,” said Hon. Richard Okoye, a concerned indigene of the community. “We appeal to the government and other stakeholders to intervene and restore peace and security in our community.”
The community also called on the Nigerian government to set up a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to investigate the crisis and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We want justice, we want security, and we want our community to be peaceful again,” said Mr. Frederick Egwunwa, another concerned indigene. “We appeal to the government to take urgent action to address the insecurity in our community.”
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that there is a security presence in the area, but the community says more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis.
The community’s appeal comes as the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address the rising insecurity across the country. The government has promised to take decisive action to restore peace and security, but the Isuanaocha community says it is still waiting for concrete action.
As the community waits for help, residents are living in fear, and the once thriving economy is grinding to a halt. The community’s appeal is a desperate cry for help, and it remains to be seen if the government and other stakeholders will respond to their pleas.
