…requires urgent attention ahead of 2023 elections

By Chris Onuoha

The security crisis in the Southeastern Nigeria remains a major concern as gunmen continue to target police stations, further threatening the safety of lives and property in Imo State. 

In the ensuing melee, reports had it that gunmen’s attack targeting  state actors on duty posts, became a worrisome situation as both the attackers and targets are victims to some extent. However, targets on police stations became visible, as the daring gunmen have been overpowering police men on duty with superior arms, including invading stations and carting away guns.

One of such case was recorded on March 13 at Umuguma, where a police stations was invaded by unknown gunmen resulting in the death of two police officers. According to the State Police Command spokesman, Michael Abbattam, the attackers were eventually repelled, and a manhunt was launched to track down those responsible.

Just 24 hours later, another attack occurred at the Omuma police station in Oru East Local Government Area. This incident took place at midnight, compounding the region’s escalating security issues. The situation has become tense as many indigenes are not returning to their villages, citing uncertainties. 

Another incident also happened on March 29, at Otoko Divisional Police Headquarters in Obowo. The station was also attacked. Two officers were killed, with reports indicating several other casualties. In addition to the loss of lives, the assailants released detainees, worsening the chaos.

The impact of these attacks on local communities is significant, as reports has it that residents are living in fear, and their businesses are suffering as a result. The ongoing violence is crippling the internally generated revenue of the region, leading to widespread economic losses.

Between October 2020 and May 2021, at least 21 police stations were attacked by unknown gunmen in Southeastern Nigeria, leading to the deaths of several officers and the destruction of facilities. The frequency of these attacks has eroded the confidence of the police, with many officers now opting to wear civilian clothing rather than their uniforms during working hours.

These attacks are linked to ongoing separatist activities in the region, with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), often blamed for the violence. Efforts by state governments to halt the violence, including the establishment of a regional security force known as “Ebubeagu,” have not yet produced the desired results.

Traditional rulers and local leaders have criticized both federal and state governments for not doing enough to restore peace in the region. However, the government has repeatedly expressed its commitment to stabilizing Southeastern Nigeria.

The insecurity in the Southeast, alongside similar challenges in other regions of Nigeria, raises concerns about the upcoming 2023 elections. Recent attacks in Kaduna State by bandits and continuing Boko Haram insurgency in the North highlight the broader security risks the country faces. 

Although no major violence was reported during the Anambra gubernatorial election, attacks on candidates before the vote raised alarms. The ongoing assaults on security personnel and infrastructure in Imo and other southeastern states signal potential threats to the conduct of free and fair elections in 2023.