A community leader of Azara-Obiator Autonomous Community, Chief Charles Obialor, has expressed alarm over the incessant kidnapping incidents in the area. He noted that the development was particularly disturbing due to the area's history of security concerns. Obialor made this statement in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State. The community has been experiencing a surge in kidnapping cases, causing fear among residents.
The kidnapping incident involving 19 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, whose whereabouts remain unknown, has exacerbated the situation. According to Obialor, security operatives have moved into the area to trace the abductors and locate their victims. However, the community leader appealed to the government and security agencies to take urgent action to address the security concerns in the area. He emphasized that the people are afraid and need security to move freely and return safely to their homes.
Obialor attributed the kidnapping incidents to the vast stretches of undeveloped land and surrounding forests in the area, which he claimed have made it easier for criminals to operate. He called on the government to clear the bushes and establish a major project in the area to attract legitimate economic activities and increase security presence. The community leader suggested that this would help to curb the kidnapping incidents and provide a safe environment for residents.
The community leader also alleged that some residents had abandoned their farmlands due to fear of attacks by suspected kidnappers and armed herders. He claimed that for two years, residents have abandoned their farmlands because of fear of being killed by the Fulani herdsmen. Obialor's statement highlights the impact of the kidnapping incidents on the livelihoods of residents in the area.
Obialor disagreed with reports that the abductors took their victims to Ifekala bush, saying he suspected they could have been taken towards Alasieke Forest, which he described as difficult to access. He expressed concern that the area's terrain makes it challenging for security operatives to track down the kidnappers. The community leader's statement suggests that the kidnappers may be using the forest as a hideout.
The community leader disputed the police account that 10 of the victims had been rescued, insisting that 34 people were kidnapped while two others miraculously escaped. He suspected that some of the remaining victims were still being held captive by the kidnappers. Obialor's statement raises concerns about the actual number of victims and the efforts of security operatives to rescue them.
According to Obialor, the attackers operated around the highway before taking their victims into the bush, leaving residents and motorists confused and frightened. The incident occurred around 7 am, and the sound of gunshots sent a wave of fear through the community. The community leader's statement highlights the traumatic impact of the kidnapping incident on residents.
Key points
- The kidnapping incidents in Imo State have caused fear among residents, with some abandoning their farmlands due to fear of attacks.
- The community leader, Chief Charles Obialor, has called on the government to clear the bushes and establish a major project in the area to attract legitimate economic activities and increase security presence.
- Obialor disputed the police account that 10 of the victims had been rescued, insisting that 34 people were kidnapped.
