Residents of Isiogbo-Nara community in Nkanu East Local Council, Enugu State, have raised concerns over escalating insecurity in the area, calling on the state government to intervene urgently.

The community lamented that they could no longer sleep peacefully or visit their farms due to frequent attacks by hoodlums.

According to the residents, three people, including members of the local security team, have been either killed or kidnapped between late 2023 and 2024. The community said the situation has created fear and uncertainty, forcing some residents to flee.

Addressing reporters after a peaceful rally involving elders, women, and youths, the President-General of the community, Mr. Sunday Chukwu, expressed dismay over the deteriorating security situation.

He recounted several attacks, including the murder of a neighbourhood security official, Joseph Aniedo, on November 1, 2023, and the abduction of the community?s chief security officer, Emeka Eze, on August 10, 2024. A week later, another young woman was also kidnapped.

?As we speak, we have heard nothing about the two kidnapped victims, and gunmen continue to harass our people. Many residents have fled due to fear of the unknown,? Chukwu said.

He noted that the community had reported the incidents to the police and written petitions to the governor and the chairman of Nkanu East Local Council. Despite providing evidence, police investigations have yet to yield tangible results, with suspects allegedly connected to the incidents released without resolution.

Chukwu appealed to the Enugu State Governor to intervene by directing the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, to ensure thorough investigations. He also urged the government to establish a security presence in the community, given its location at the border of Enugu and Ebonyi States, which criminals exploit for quick escapes.

The mother of late Joseph, Mrs. Helen Aniedo, tearfully recounted how her son was called out by a community member and never returned. Similarly, the wife of Emeka Eze, a mother of three, narrated how gunmen invaded their home, injured her family, and abducted her husband.

Former community President-General, Rev. Patrick Nwoye, added that the area has remained tense since the attacks, with residents unable to move freely. He called for urgent government action to restore peace and security. (The Guardian)