In a shocking incident on Monday night, suspected arsonists torched the residence of a former lawmaker, Frank Ibezim, located in Ezeoke-Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. The attack did not stop at Ibezim’s home, as the assailants also set fire to facilities at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in the same area.
The culprits behind this heinous act are still at large, and the motive behind the attacks appears to be linked to a viral video report alleging that the federal government intended to use the NOUN facility as a training ground for repentant Boko Haram insurgents. The video caused a stir in the community, fueling tensions and unrest.
The controversy followed a recent inspection visit by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Mohammed, to the NOUN training facility. During his visit, he was accompanied by Mr. Ibezim, and in a subsequent TVC News interview, Mr. Mohammed reportedly mentioned plans to commence a training program for vulnerable individuals at the centre before the end of the year.
A local community member, speaking under anonymity, suggested that the arson attacks were in reaction to the false claims in the viral video. The source explained, “A lot of our people raised their voices against this Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) training project in that place, especially where there are no existence of IDPs in the state. The planners of that project were insensitive to the agitation in the area.”
A community leader, who also wished to remain anonymous, expressed deep regret over the destruction, emphasizing that the NOUN facility also housed Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School, which has a boarding facility. The loss of such critical infrastructure has left the community in dismay.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, confirmed the incident, calling the attacks “barbaric and condemnable.”
In a statement released by the spokesman of the Imo Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, the police commissioner assured that the command had deployed its tactical unit to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Mr. Danjuma stated.
Efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this brazen act of arson, as the community and law enforcement come together to address the aftermath.
