Unknown gunmen have struck again in Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, killing a male resident accused of providing intelligence to the Nigerian Army about their activities in the area.
This comes shortly after troops of the Joint Task Force, South East Operation, known as Operation Udo Ka, dismantled a suspected criminal camp in the community.
Following the brutal attack, fear gripped the community, prompting several residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring villages. Many of the displaced villagers carried only essential belongings, vowing to return once the situation stabilizes. A resident who escaped the scene recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “They came in like commandos and killed the man they accused of being an informant. The fear is real, and we don’t want to be caught in the crossfire.”
Earlier this week, soldiers from the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Ohafia, had clashed with suspected gunmen in Umuchima. The military operation involved over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers, targeting a camp near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise region of Imo State. The gunmen had been accused of orchestrating multiple attacks on security personnel in the area.
The Abia State Government and security agencies have recently intensified efforts to combat criminal elements terrorizing the state. However, the return of the gunmen and the killing of the alleged informant have raised concerns about the safety of residents and the effectiveness of ongoing security operations.
The gunmen, who have previously launched deadly attacks on security operatives, continue to pose a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. Residents now live in constant fear, urging authorities to provide more robust measures to ensure their safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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