…..Appeals for a sustained military operation from the side of Imo and Anambra states
The Odimma Orsu Initiative has urged the government to maintain military action in Orsu and its surrounding areas until the hideouts of criminal elements are completely uncovered and the Udeke Valley is demystified.
The group noted that most of the killings occurred in Awoidemiri, Amankwo, Amanaogu Autonomous Community Ihitenansa clan, Umuhu , OrsuIhiteukwa and Eziawa .
Speaking at a World Press Conference in Lagos, the group highlighted the devastating impact of alleged killings and destruction carried out by IPOB and ESN in the region.
Call for Urgent Action
Chief Chukwudi Okparaku, Chairman of Odimma Orsu Initiative, recounted major attacks in Awo-Idemili and Amannachi, which saw:
The murder of security personnel; looting, burning, and destruction of homes belonging to prominent indigenes and the gruesome castration and killing of Felix Obodoechi (a.k.a. Matador) in Orsu Ihiteukwa.
Onyeoma Ezeifedi, a member of the Security Committee, called on the government to help bulldoze and destroy Udeke Valley, believed to be a base for criminals.
“Burn it, take it to ground zero, so people will see there is nothing there but fear,” he said.
Need for Stronger Government Intervention
Emeka Ezeh, Media and Publicity Officer, emphasized that while local communities in Imo and Anambra states are making efforts, a stronger collaborative effort from both state governments is necessary.
“We need heavy bombardment of security-challenged areas and a detailed house-to-house check to fish out criminals,” he urged.
The group stressed that only sustained military operations and a long-term peace strategy can restore security and break the cycle of violence.
Heartbreaking Testimonies from Orsu Residents
Residents shared harrowing experiences of brutality, including:
A 98-year-old man who was beheaded, with his head still missing at burial
A pregnant woman in labor, abducted, mutilated, and buried alive for ritual purposes, leading to the death of her husband from heartbreak
Over 5,000 lives lost, with families displaced and homes destroyed
Final Appeal to Government
The Odimma Orsu Initiative called on the federal government to help clear buried IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in the area and provide lasting security measures to protect the people.
“We have lost too much—our families, our homes, and our peace. We are no longer afraid to die, but we refuse to be victims of lawlessness,” said Boniface Okwuasoama.
Orsu, once a peaceful community, now faces complete breakdown of law and order.
The group implored the government to act decisively to restore security, stability, and dignity to the area.
