Protesters seek sustained military operation in Imo LG
Protesters under the banner of Orsu & Friends & Rescue Alaigbo Thursday gathered at the gate of the National Assembly, calling on the Federal Government to extend and intensify ongoing military operations against armed groups in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. Addressing journalists, Convener Chukwuka Ofoegbu said the protest, themed “Finish the Job”, […]
Protesters seek sustained military operation in Imo LG
Protesters under the banner of Orsu & Friends & Rescue Alaigbo Thursday gathered at the gate of the National Assembly, calling on the Federal Government to extend and intensify ongoing military operations against armed groups in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Addressing journalists, Convener Chukwuka Ofoegbu said the protest, themed “Finish the Job”, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of communities in Orsu and neighbouring areas that have been under siege by armed elements linked to IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Ofoegbu recounted how the Udeke Valley, later renamed “Mother Valley” by the militants, had served as a training ground since 2017 without the knowledge of local leaders.
He lamented that residents initially tolerated the group due to widespread fears of external threats, only to later discover that the same militants were behind kidnappings, extortion, sexual violence, and economic sabotage.
“Our farms were littered with improvised explosive devices. Many of our people died trying to access their lands. churches, markets, and even communication masts were looted. Life came to a standstill,” Ofoegbu said.
He commended the Joint Task Force (JTF) led by the 34 Artillery Brigade, supported by the Air Force, Navy, Police, DSS, and vigilantes, for recent gains but warned that halting the operation prematurely would allow the criminals to regroup.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Service Chiefs to sustain the offensive for at least nine months and consider establishing a permanent military base in the valley. “We are willing to give up the land at no cost and partner with the federal government to build the infrastructure,” he added.
Another protester also hailed from the East , Casmir Ezeifedi, echoed the call, warning against repeating past mistakes. “In 2014, the army dislodged them but left too quickly.
Ezeifedi stressed that the valley’s terrain made it a strategic hideout and urged cooperation between forces in Imo and Anambra states.