Hoodlums burn down residence of Imo monarch who ‘supported’ amnesty for gunmen

Suspected arsonists have reportedly burnt down the residence of Ezekiel Nwokedi, the traditional ruler of the Okwuru Orsuihiteukwo community, in Orsu LGA of Imo state.

TheCable understands that the community has been suffering from continuous attacks by suspected gunmen in recent times.

According to Nwokedi who spoke after the attack, the hoodlums carted valuables worth millions of naira from his residence before setting it on fire.

He said the attackers who came on Saturday night, brought down the building while villagers scampered for safety.

“I have nothing left for me. This is my most tragic moment. I am speechless. I only call on the government of Imo state and the security agencies in the state to intervene,” he said.

Nwokedi who is said to have been at the forefront of the battle against insecurity in the LGA had earlier supported an amnesty programme of the government to get repentant gunmen to surrender their arms.

The programme which is known as the “Odinma Orsu Initiative” is designed to advocate for ceasefire and peace in the LGA.

The distraught traditional ruler regretted the sudden rise of insecurity in the state, noting that he had thought the tide had decreased.

“Odinma Orsu Initiative has been fighting against the incessant killings, kidnappings, arsons and all manners of extrajudicial activities in the state,” Nwokedi added.

Henry Okoye, the Imo police spokesperson, said the command was yet to get full information regarding the incident.