By Emmanuel Iheaka

Indigenes of Umuokwu Izombe in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State on Saturday gathered to celebrate the restoration of peace in their community after nearly four years of violent insecurity.

The House of Representatives member for Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Ọrụ West Federal Constituency, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, an indigene of Umuokwu Izombe, narrated how sustained killings and fear forced residents to flee before decisive action was taken to confront the criminals.

Dibiagwu said the turning point came with the engagement of a police officer from the community, Inspector Vincent Chika Okebata, to lead the fight against the hoodlums.

He commended the officer’s courage and commitment, describing his efforts as instrumental to the return of peace. Inspector Okebata was honoured at the event with the traditional title “Dike Udo” (Warrior of Peace).

Recounting the dark period, the lawmaker said a time came when almost everyone had abandoned the community out of fear of being killed.

“There was a time I looked around and saw only him and myself. Everyone else had left. Our people were dying, and I told him we had to act now or never,” Dibiagwu said.

He explained that arrangements were immediately made, with the support of the state government, for Inspector Okebata and his unit to relocate to Izombe to confront the criminals head-on.

According to him, despite security concerns and betrayals, the officer moved back into the community and coordinated operations that eventually dismantled the criminal networks.

“Breadwinners were sent to untimely graves and innocent passersby were killed for no reason. Today, Izombe people can sleep with their eyes closed,” he said, expressing gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as decisive intervention.

In a welcome address, the President-General of the Umuokwu Izombe Development Association (UIDA), Mr. Lucky Dibiagwu, said the community singled out Inspector Okebata for recognition because of his outstanding role in confronting the criminal elements that unleashed terror between 2021 and 2023.

The address, presented by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Francis Onyeukwu, declared an end to the era of sorrow in the community.

“We shall confer on him the title ‘Dike Udo’ in recognition of his efforts in restoring peace and security in Umuokwu Izombe,” he said.

He announced the introduction of a Chiefdom Parade—a cultural musical display—symbolising healing, unity and a new beginning for the people, adding that the community would henceforth be known as the “Land of Peace.”

The association, however, appealed to the state government to fulfil its promise of compensating victims of the October 8, 2021 carnage and other incidents between 2021 and 2023, during which over 150 houses in Umuokwu, Umuorji and Ndioko were reportedly destroyed.

In his remarks, Inspector Okebata thanked the community for the honour and pledged to remain committed to consolidating the peace already achieved in the area.