An indigene of Umuhu Okabia community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, Mrs. Favour Nkechi Okorie, has appealed to the Federal Government to intervene over what she described as repeated harassment and intimidation by military personnel in her community.
Speaking about her experience, Okorie alleged that on March 30, 2021, soldiers invaded her residence in Orlu and took away her husband, whom she said was accused of being a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to her, the soldiers returned two days later and allegedly assaulted her and her children at about 7 p.m.
She claimed that she escaped through the back of the house with her children and hid in a nearby bush until the soldiers left the area.
Okorie further stated that she fled the community the following morning with the assistance of a traveler heading to Lagos and has not returned to her home since then due to fears for her safety.
“I have never gone back to that house because I do not know what I may meet there. I am begging the Nigerian government to do something because the situation is getting out of hand,” she said.
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The woman also recalled a similar incident in December 2019, alleging that soldiers entered Umuhu Okabia community and forcefully dragged residents from their homes.
She claimed that those who resisted were flogged and that she was among those allegedly assaulted, sustaining a serious leg injury.
Okorie said many residents of the area continue to live in fear, alleging that military operations in the community have created an atmosphere of insecurity and anxiety among civilians.
The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report, while security authorities were not immediately available for comments.
