By Okechukwu Nwanguma
In the heart of Imo State, just fifteen minutes from the capital city, Owerri, the community of Ezioha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area is being held hostage—not metaphorically, but literally—by a sophisticated, armed criminal syndicate.
These are not petty criminals. They are terrorists, fully equipped, highly coordinated, and operating with a level of impunity and brazenness that insults the idea of governance and territorial integrity.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo is bleeding—and you must act now, or history will remember your silence as complicity.
*Ezioha: A Territory Under Occupation*
What began as isolated incidents has morphed into a full-blown occupation. Ezioha is no longer governed by the Constitution or the laws of Nigeria—it is ruled by armed gangs who act as judge, jury, and executioner. The murder of Obiefula Emesibe—beaten to death over a television dispute—was not an anomaly. It was a judicial execution by a criminal cabal now arrogantly exercising control over people’s lives, property, and movement.
The situation has escalated to the point that:
– The terrorists levy taxes, approve weddings and burials, and exact arbitrary fines.
– Markets, schools, churches—once vibrant public spaces—are now deserted.
– Residents are fleeing in droves, abandoning their ancestral homes.
– Those left behind live under witchcraft-fueled fear, silenced by the threat of torture or death.
– Police and vigilante operatives are routinely ambushed, and security installations are attacked.
*Mbaitoli, Njaba, Owerri—Under Siege*
This isn’t just about Ezioha anymore. From Umuaka to Amazano, Orodo to Ukwuorji, this cancer is spreading—rampantly and unchecked. Within the last few months alone:
– Multiple kidnappings have occurred along major highways, including the Orlu-Owerri Road.
– A Russian returnee was abducted, beaten, and robbed.
– Armed gunmen infiltrated Owerri metropolis, taking victims directly to Ezioha’s riverside terror camp.
– Three DSS operatives were ambushed and killed.
– Children, traders, police officers, and retirees have disappeared without a trace.
Even the gallant officers of the Umuaka Police Division, who have repelled multiple attacks, are now isolated and overwhelmed. And the criminals? They’re evolving. Reports show they are armed with AK-47s, walkie-talkies, IEDs, and are using solar-powered CCTVs in the forest to monitor security deployments.
*The Constitution Is Clear—Your Duty Is Security*
Governor Uzodimma, this is a call to duty. The primary purpose of government, as clearly stated in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, is:
“The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
When terror gangs control communities and state authorities are either absent or ineffective, the government has failed in its most sacred constitutional duty. This is not just a moral failure—it is a constitutional collapse.
*Time for Action, Not Excuses*
It is no longer enough to blame opposition, misinformation, or political sabotage. The people of Imo are not asking for speeches. They are asking for safety. They want to return home. They want to bury their dead without permission from the criminals. They want to live without paying taxes to murderers.
*The Governor must urgently do the following:*
1. Lead a coordinated security response in collaboration with the Federal Government, Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and local vigilantes to dislodge the terrorists entrenched in Ezioha and its environs.
2. Deploy special counter-insurgency units, with tactical support including drones, aerial reconnaissance, and terrain-adapted vehicles to navigate the difficult topography of the Njaba River hideouts.
3. Declare a state of emergency in the affected area to allow for swift security operations and humanitarian response.
4. Mobilize displaced residents, community leaders, and local intelligence to reclaim and rebuild affected communities under government protection.
5. Create a truth-telling and accountability platform for survivors and victims’ families, and ensure restitution and justice.
Imo Is Not Safe Until Ezioha Is Free
The people of Ezioha, Umuaka, Amakor, and Njaba have been screaming into the void. Many are dead. More will die if you continue to turn a blind eye.
Governor Uzodimma, do not wait until the terrorists attack Government House in Owerri before you recognize the urgency of this threat. Ezioha is not some distant forest. It is 15 minutes from the seat of power. That should alarm you.
This is your state. These are your people. This is your fight.
If you do nothing, you will be remembered not as a governor who failed, but as one who watched his people perish while playing the blame game.
Enough is enough.
Let Ezioha be the turning point.
Let history record that when terror challenged the soul of Imo, the governor stood up—not just in rhetoric, but in action.
