By Chris Onuoha 

Southeastern States of Nigeria have been in the news for some time over insecurity, stemming from agitators formation, to unknown gunmen, including banditry, kidnapping among others. This scourge has put the region on security spotlight with the way and manner the gunmen battled State actors, making the scene looks dramatic. 

A recent attack on a security facility in Obowo town, Imo State comes to mind, being part of coordinated assaults in the eastern States by unknown gunmen, targeting security establishments and public offices. This has somewhat elicited worries among the people. It has also become too many of such incidences with worrisome as to ascertain what motive drives this action. 

So confusing is that State and non State actors have,  for some time, engaged in duel fights over insecurity matters, but may or may not related to the spate of targeted attacks on security facilities, as seen in recent times. Recall also, that unidentified gunmen had serially launched violent assaults on several police stations in the Eastern States, probably in retaliation to police, foiling their attempts to carry out dastardly acts.

These security challenges has been going on despite government efforts to curb the security problems in various states of the country. However,  one would not rule out security operatives efforts in fighting insecurity, but another issue that boggles the mind was the incarceration of some personnel in the boil of the melee.  It is expected that in any crime committal, proven suspects go in for it, but in a case of unknown gunmen attack at security facilities in Obowo, Mbano and other places, some personnel were held back in confinement, prompting argument as to the reason for such action. It is also left for the formation to give details in that regards, which falls under their prerogative to make it known to the public or not.

In a related incident, suspected gunmen attacked the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area secretariat in the same Imo State axis, making it a prone area for attacks. The attackers reportedly set several vehicles and office buildings on fire as their mode of operation, wreaking havoc in the council premises. 

During a confrontation with local vigilante members in one of their operations, two vigilantes were reportedly killed in a gunfight, highlighting the growing boldness of these attackers in targeting not just police but also community security personnel. All the actions seem diasy, also prompting insinuation, whether the security personnel are culpable or not, but also remain a discuss in cases of indictment.

However, eyewitness reports from Obowo painted a harrowing picture of the security situation. A resident disclosed that despite the proximity of security presence and three police formations within the area, no security operatives responded during the short lived attack. 

In addition,  local residents noted a similarity between the incident and a previous attack on March 19, 2022, when gunmen assaulted another station, Umuguma Police Division, resulting in the deaths of two officers. The gunmen, not only targeted the officers on duty but also set police station on fire to cause damage to facilities. The attackers according to eye witnesses, appeared well-coordinated, suggesting prior planning and knowledge of the station’s layout. “They come heavily armed, strike quickly, and disappear without a trace,” the source remarked.

“Having security facilities stationed in strategic places in Obowo including Isinweke, in Etiti has not deterred the gunmen from carrying out their operations with success.”

According to him, security personnel usually come some hours late after the gunmen might have left scene. A security officer, who chose to speak anonymously, disclosed that some officers who survived the attack were confined to the barracks and placed under detention, which according to him, raises eyebrow, in regards to tackling insecurity the wrong way. Having explained no knowledge,  to the reason for such actions, he lamented on misguided judgement by state actors in handling such issues.

In one swift reaction, spokesman of the police in the area confirmed the incidences but assured that tactical teams had been dispatched to track down and apprehend the attackers. “We are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice,” police scribe stated, without disclosing further details on the investigation.

He said the attack on Obowo Police Division and other areas in the state, come amid heightened tensions in Imo State, where security forces have faced repeated assaults from armed groups. 

The States police stations, council offices, and community security outfits have been the primary targets of these attacks, raising fears among residents and challenging the authority of law enforcement.

However, the situation further elicits reactions in the way and manner the whole issue of security is being handled within the region. State government have not relented though, while federal government had in many occasion, enhanced personnel with the IGP, sending enforcement team to the zone. But the people have also lamented to other actions of the security personnel, who somewhat, resulted in converting road blocks into toll zone, causing more confusion and inflicting pains on travellers within region.

Community members and observers in the other hand, have expressed concerns about the safety of security installations and the apparent inability to preempt such attacks despite visible military and police presence. As the state grapples with these issues, calls for more robust intelligence gathering and proactive security measures have grown louder.

With the recent incident, Imo State authorities face renewed pressure to address the worsening security situation and restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies