Tension has heightened in Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, as unknown gunmen returned to the community and killed a man accused of providing information to the Nigerian Army about their activities.
Earlier this week, the Nigerian Army announced that troops of the Joint Task Force, South East Operation, known as Operation Udo Ka, had dismantled a camp in Umuchima believed to be operated by the gunmen.
In response to the killing of the alleged informant, many residents fled the village, seeking refuge in nearby communities. The villagers, who took only essential belongings, expressed fears of becoming collateral victims. One resident described the attack, saying, “The fear is real. They stormed the village in a commando-like manner and killed a local man they accused of being an informant.”
Just days before the incident, the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Ohafia, had clashed with the unidentified gunmen in the same area. Reports indicated that a convoy of over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the village early in the morning, targeting the gunmen’s suspected hideout near a river separating Abia from the Mbaise area of Imo State.
The Abia State Government and security agencies have reiterated their commitment to eliminating criminal elements responsible for terrorizing the state. The gunmen, who have been active in the region, are reportedly responsible for the deaths of several security personnel.
