A combined team of Ebubeagu Security Network and police operatives on Saturday invaded Izombe Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, burning down seven vehicles and 18 shops.
Eyewitnesses said that the rampaging security team invaded the community in the early hours of the day.
No casualty was recorded but 7 vehicles, 18 locked up shops comprising of pharmaceutical outlets, boutiques, machine spare parts shops, wine shop and shops where assorted drinks were sold, were all burnt down.
The attack came after gunmen attacked the Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters in the LGA, killing four officers and setting two vehicles ablaze.
Residents described the attack on their businesses and properties as despicable.
James Oguchi, a commercial driver whose minibus was burnt said the invasion has stripped him of his only source of income.
He described the activities of the Ebubeagu Security Network and their police accomplices as illegal and an attempt to strip the town of its economy.
He said “We woke up this morning to see that vehicles packed outside and lock-up shops have been burnt down by the Ebubeagu Security Network and police officers. We heard that the reason for the attack was not unconnected with the attack on the Divisional police headquarters yesterday night.
“But were we the ones that attacked the Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters? Did the police and Ebubeagu hear that the criminals were from Umuokwu and Ugbele Izombe communities? Even if they were, why are they not going after the people who carried out the attack and let the innocent people be? What is our crime?
Another driver, Ikechi Ekwelem whose Tipper truck was burnt said that the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma must call the Ebubeagu Security Network operatives to order.
He said that the community was still in shock over the brazen activities of the security team.
He recalled that in October 2021, over 150 buildings were burnt by security agencies in Izombe and many of the victims have not fully recovered.
According to him, the burning of their sources of livelihood was very unfair considering the economic situation of the country.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB of carrying out the attack on Agwa Divisional Police Headquarters.
Mike Abattam, the public relations officer of the command said that it has launched a manhunt for the cop killers.
He said: “The hoodlums who came in two vehicles and a tipper, shooting sporadically, used a tipper vehicle in forcing the gate open to gain entrance into the station, throwing Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petrol bombs.
“The police operatives of the division joined by the Command’s Tactical Teams gave the hoodlums a stiff resistance, engaging them in a gun duel. The hoodlums who were fatally hit with a lot of casualties on their side, retreated, escaping in their vehicles.
“The fire which affected a parked private car and some motorcycles was later put off, preventing it from causing more damages. Fortunately, the building was not affected.
“In the attack, two suspects in custody escaped, four police officers gallantly paid the supreme price, while one rifle is yet to be recovered. Meanwhile, the area has been fortified with enough police operatives”.
