With the way violent and vicious attacks are being launched in Imo State these days, it appears the vicious cycle of insecurity has returned. Before the attacks on the Umuguma Divisional Police Office, residence of Prof George Obiozor, President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the attack on INEC Office and personnel in Ihite Uboma, the scourge had largely been restricted to the Orlu area of the state.
The Orlu mayhem has stuck out like a sore thumb in Imo’s finger and as such has been on the front burner of public discussion in the state. Imo people have been united in the advocacy for sustainable solution to be found to the violence, bloodletting and arson that has ravaged the hitherto peaceful enclave.
But, sadly, it seems hopes of peace returning there and the larger state has again been dashed if the resurgence of violent attacks is anything to go by.
Apparently, it seems the state is about to grapple with the kind of security threat it experienced for greater part of 2021. To say the least, this prospect is really scary and worrisome. For most of last year Imo State experienced horrendous insecurity characterized not only by unprecedented killings, destruction and violence, but also near collapse of its economy with attendant poverty and misery suffered by citizens.
But, it had never been that bad before. History shows Imo people and indeed, Igbo people from origin have been known to be peaceful, peace loving and hospitable people of industry and creativity. The scourge of insecurity now threatening the existence of the state was foisted on it by alleged avoidable leadership mistakes . It is generally believed that the insecurity holding the region at the jugular is a reaction to the perennial injustice and marginalization of the Igbo in Nigeria.
The maltreatments particularly those of the last few years are believed to have given rise to agitations for justice, equity and fair treatment. However, the same leaders who have been accused of masterminding the problems instead of looking for ways and means to address them, often resort to using iron fist treating those who openly express displeasure with the state of things. A good example is the ongoing clampdown on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his group the IPOB. Kalu has been agitating for secession of South East from Nigeria. Though his action may not be acceptable to many Southeasterners and definitely the federal government, however, it is believed its heavy handed reaction to his campaign seems to have created more problems than it has solved.
Prominent here is unfortunate spate of insecurity which has almost turned Igboland into a war zone. We feel it is counter productive to continuing using sledge hammer to kill a fly. As experience has taught us the force of arm has never in history proven sufficient in addressing conflicts. Almost always solutions to nagging problem are found at the negotiation table and that is what is most likely going to end the ongoing Russia/Ukrainian war.
On this note therefore, the present governments in the state and Abuja which have been accused of worsening insecurity in the state and region, through their actions and in-actions should think of changing their current approach of using brutal force, in tackling those it perceive as agitators . Many think Imo insecurity is largely man made. If it is so it means sustainable solution can be found to it if stakeholders are committed to doing that. We strongly think the time has come for solution to be found to the rampaging challenge in Imo State and Igboland generally.
Therefore, we are urging Gov Uzodinma and the federal government which controls the security architecture to stop the bleeding through a humanistic approach to issues like that of Kanu and his group.
It is largely believed the insecurity bedevilling the state stems from the way that challenge is being handled. Consequently, we are calling on them to explore other strategies towards addressing that, and other security challenges, so as to pave way for return of sustainable peace and security to the state and zone. Imo and its citizens need development and growth and that can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace, stability and love.
