In a dramatic turn of events, the Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of over eight suspects connected to the brazen arson attack on the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre at Eze Oke Nsu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area. The attack, which took place last Tuesday, has left the community on edge, with fears of further violence escalating.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, broke the news of the arrests during a press briefing in Owerri on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. “I am pleased to announce that over eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the arson incidents in Ehime Mbano. Investigations are ongoing, and more details will be communicated in due course,” Okoye revealed, though he remained tight-lipped about the identities of those arrested.
The incident, which shocked the local community, is believed to have been sparked by a rumor circulating that the NOUN study centre would be converted into a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This false information reportedly led to unrest among locals, culminating in the violent attack that left the facility in ruins.
Since the attack, tension has risen dramatically across Ehime Mbano, with many residents living in fear of further violence. One community leader from Nsu, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, urged for heightened security measures. “It is proper now that security agencies mount checkpoints, especially on roads leading to the Ehime Mbano Council. People in my community have not slept since Tuesday night. We are afraid. This kind of thing must be taken seriously,” the leader warned.
Echoing these concerns, a former President General of a neighboring community emphasized the need for cooperation between state security forces and local vigilante groups. A community leader of the neighbouring community, who was an immediate past President General, said: “Security agencies must work with the local security outfit now to secure not only Nsu but the entire communities in Ehime council area of the state.
“All of us must be vigilante and report suspicious moves because now that they have started they must be stopped for the good of our community.”
As investigations continue, residents of Ehime Mbano remain on high alert, with many fearing that the unrest could escalate if swift action is not taken. The recent arrests offer some hope, but the community is urging for stronger security measures to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
