They reported that at least ten people were killed, including the community's traditional leader, Igwe Emmanuel Mba, and that property worth millions of naira was destroyed as a result of a new internal conflict that erupted in the community two years after the governor mediated peace between the Oruku and Umuode communities.
Chukwukadibia Nnaji, one of the victims and convener of the Ije Udo Oruku Forum, stated that since the internal crisis erupted, armed groups now move freely and attack targets, but that the intervention of the governor will stop further destruction of property and protect the fundamental rights of the defenceless and vulnerable men, women, and children who reside in Oruku.
The peace advocate informed reporters in Enugu that in December of last year, Ngozi Ogbunaeke was chained to a tree and brutally beaten to death by a group of armed men who had assaulted the town.
Nnaji further stated that a number of other ladies had been beaten in the past.
Last year, gunmen also assassinated the Town Union president, Samuel Ani, as well as three other members of the Oruku Neighbourhood watch, and wounded several more.
He stated, "On December 25, 2022, Sunday Orji was shot and later succumbed to his wounds. His death triggered a new wave of violence and home burning that had been meticulously prepared before he was killed late on Sunday.
"My home and my mother's home were burned down on January 1, 2023, in a fresh assault. My crime is urging Oruku to end its armed strife. During the New Year's Eve raid on the village, at least 70 compounds, including those of Igwe elect, Ejike Ani, and Agozie Ani, were destroyed.
Nnaji ascribed the internal conflict that ensued after Ugwuanyi ended the 30-year communal conflict between the Umuode and Oruku communities to the dissolution of the Town Union leadership in favour of a caretaker committee, which was rejected by certain community members.
(Source: guardian.ng)
