In a viral video, the wife of a prominent Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander confessed that the traditional ruler of her village, Igwe Thomas Ogbannaya, is collaborating with ESN members to commit crimes in Anambra State. This confession followed a raid in the Owerre-Ezukala community by the Nigerian military last Tuesday, part of the ongoing Operation Udoka in the South East.
During the interrogation by the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ujunwa Agueze revealed that her husband, Onyedika Agueze, who is currently on the run, received land from Igwe Ogbannaya to establish an operational base for IPOB/ESN members since 2022. According to her, this camp has been the origin of numerous killings and kidnappings in the Anambra South Senatorial zone.
Mrs. Agueze also disclosed that the traditional ruler frequently employs ESN members to resolve land disputes within the community. The community has witnessed numerous killings, houses burned down, and several individuals kidnapped and never seen again. Owerre-Ezukala, located in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, borders Alaw in Orji-River LGA of Enugu State and Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. Due to its proximity to Isuochi, ESN operatives often enter Isuochi on foot to carry out attacks and kidnappings, retreating to Owerre-Ezukala while attributing the violence to so-called unknown gunmen camps in Umunneochi.
The group is also reported to have launched several attacks on soldiers in parts of Imo State. Kidnapping victims are frequently brought to the village, with some released after paying a ransom, while the less fortunate ones do not make it out of the camp.
Independent investigations reveal that the ESN has taken over the entire community, with members not only staying in the camps but also living in the houses of many local youths recruited into the group. Reports from other villages in Orumba South LGA indicate that the group operates without fear or restrictions, being shielded by the Owerre-Ezukala community.
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