Isuaniocha: Indigenes Decry Worsening Criminal Activities, Demand Probe, Prosecution of Masterminds

By Uche Eke

Concerned Indigenes of Isuanaocha community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over heightened criminal activities allegedly being perpetrated by certain individuals on the police wanted list over the protracted violent crisis rocking the town in recent years.

They are calling on the federal and Anambra State governments to urgently set up a high powered Judicial enquiry to bring culprits in the crisis that have turned the fast developing town into theathre of criminal activities and brigandage to book as well as restore nomalcy to the area.

The concerned Indigenes led by Hon. Richard Okoye and Mr Frederick Egwunwa, made the passionate appeal in a brief chat with Journalists over the weekend in Awka.

According to them, beyond the ordeals encountered by a former President General of the Community, Chief Tony Onyeagolu over the lingering crisis in the area, insecurity has remained a major challenge in the once peaceful community.

They recalled that at the height of the violent criminal attacks in the community, a petition was lodged to the Inspector General of Police for a discreet investigation.

According to them, the IGP after investigation into the Isuaniocha crisis found some persons liable, charged them to Court and in official gazette, declared the fleeing accused persons wanted.

Hear him: “Thereafter, the IGP through the AIG Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, stationed armed Policemen in Isuaniocha in a bid to maintain lasting peace in the Community.

“The investigation gave rise to Charge No: FHC/AWK/C/55/2022 – FRN vs. FRIDAY OKEKE JOHN & ORS and FHC/AWK/C/392C/2023 – FRN vs. ONYEBUCHI OKOYE & 9 ORS now pending before the Federal High Court Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.”

According to him, things took a sharp twist when the Officer in Charge of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu deployed to Isuaniocha one ASP Johnson and other RRS officers in company of some of the men on the wanted list by the Police and the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

“Since those officers were deployed to Isuaniocha, they have turned themselves into personal security of those notorious criminals on the Police wanted list.

According to them, things took a bizarre turn when those police officers deployed to Isuaniocha clashed with DSS operatives and prevented them from arresting a notorious terrorist on the police watch list.

He further disclosed that on 11th January 2025, the suspects being led by the officers of the AKS/RRS Awkuzu with armed firearms and singing war songs, stormed one of the buildings called ‘White House’ at Ifite Isuaniocha town and opened fire on the occupants of the house.

“As a result of the gun fires, several persons within and around the house including, Collins Akubuilo, Mmesoma Samuel Dunu, Okonkwo Augustin Ifechukwu and Chinwendu Ngozi sustained bullet injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in a Police hospital”, the claimed.

They identified the persons that accompanied RRS operatives on illegal mission and fired gun shots as Cosmas Okonkwo, Onyemazi Ngini, Donatus Okeke, Obumneme Okolo (yobo), Onyebuchi Nweke Isu Okoye and Nonso Obimma. Others, include Aluka Ofiegbu, Nonso Eboh (Egongene), Charles Okoye (Chidon), Chukwujekwu Okoye, Chinadu Nwoyeokoye, Basil Okoye, Chukwujekwu Anaekeokwu, Ifeanyi Onyi (Alaye), Paul Okoye, Izuchukwu Nwankwo, Arinze Nwankwo, Chisom Ngini, Chidebere Odie, Emeka Adigwe and Demian Nnaemene.”

” We wondered if it is a crime for someone to report a crime to the Police and follow up the prosecution of the offenders up”.

While commending the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in stationing armed Policemen in Isuaniocha town, they however insisted that greater responsibility lies on the police hierarchy to ensure that the town was actually totally liberated from the shackles of the criminal lords.

When contacted , the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga Confirmed that there is a brief like that before him.

He however cautioned the people not to take laws into their own hands.

” If they have any complaint, they can come forward to the Command headquarters. We are ready to listen”

When contacted to speak on the matter, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 13 Ukpo, .Josephine Ihunwo said she was not aware of any clash that took place in Isuaniocha on the 15th of January.

The Town which over the years has been known for its sustainable peaceful atmosphere, hospitality and conviviality has been regrettably turned into a theatre of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, other heinous crimes and a hideout for all manners of criminals by some individuals in the area.