The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) issues this urgent alert regarding the escalating insecurity, systemic law enforcement failure, and widespread human rights violations in Imo State—especially within Okigwe Zone, Arondizuogu, and Umualumaku (Ehime-Mbano).
Drawing from verified testimonies and credible reports, RULAAC reveals a complete absence of police operations for over four years across Okigwe Zone (Okigwe, Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Onuimo, and Ihitte Uboma LGAs), leaving over one million residents vulnerable to rampant criminality.
Targeted military-led destruction of the residence of Mr. Anayo Vigilus Njoku, an esteemed educationist, in Umualumaku, with no investigation or accountability to date. Ongoing massacres and abductions, including the May 2025 burning of 10 trucks and killing of at least 15 civilians on the Okwele–Umuna highway, and execution-style killings at gatherings in Onuimo and Umuakagu.
Rising dominance of politically-backed gangs who openly extort, kidnap, and terrorise communities—often operating with impunity. Assassination and disappearance of prominent leaders, such as HRM Eze Eric Uchegbu and Nze Pascal Nwagbake, without credible investigations or arrests.
Indiscriminate profiling and arrest of youths, especially in southern Imo, under vague allegations of IPOB affiliation or cybercrime, while actual violent actors remain untouched.
Complete erosion of public confidence in law enforcement, stemming from decades of neglect, politicised security, and disengagement from community welfare.
The affected communities have been forsaken by both the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force. In a democracy, such systemic failure amounts to betrayal.
RULAAC draws a direct connection between the militarisation of electoral politics—evident in attacks on INEC officials and the burning of police stations during the 2023 general elections—and today’s lawless environment.
The recent open letter by Concerned Citizens of Okigwe Zone is an urgent plea that must be heard. Impunity and silence from those in authority suggest not only failure, but possible complicity.
RULAAC’s Demands for Immediate Redress: Official acknowledgment by the Imo State Government of the breakdown in security in Okigwe Zone, Arondizuogu, and Umualumaku, Reopening and full staffing of all police stations across the five affected LGAs with trained and screened personnel.
Also, Independent investigations by NHRC, PSC, and the National Assembly into the attack on Mr. Njoku’s home, all mass killings and targeted assassinations and the political origins and weaponisation of gangs during elections.
Sanctions and prosecution of security agents found complicit in rights violations and unlawful actions, Immediate cessation of arbitrary arrests, especially of youths, and a transparent review of all prolonged detentions without trial and Federal Government intervention to uphold the constitutional right to life, safety,and dignity for all Imo State citizens.
RULAAC reminds all relevant authorities—Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the President of Nigeria—that silence in the face of violence is not neutrality. It is complicity.
Communities like Arondizuogu, Umualumaku, and the greater Okigwe Zone are not merely besieged by criminals—they are casualties of a failing state. Their suffering must no longer be ignored.
