Violence Erupts in Imo as Umuopara Youths Attack Fundraising Event in Umuduru
A violent clash broke out in Umuduru village, part of the Nsu autonomous community in Imo State’s Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area, when youths from Umuopara allegedly attacked locals during a fundraising event for community projects. The attack, which occurred on December 30, 2024, disrupted an event meant to raise funds for Umuduru-Nsu’s development, leading to the death of one individual and the injury of several others. Property worth millions of naira, including residential buildings, hotels, and vehicles, was also destroyed.
Death, Destruction, and Arrests: Clashes in Imo’s Umuduru Village Lead to Chaos
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence resulted in the tragic death of Emmanuel Uwandu and left multiple others, including Chief Vitalis Onyeaguma, severely injured. Properties, such as vehicles, generators, and residential buildings, were burned down during the attack. The attackers even targeted the luxury hotel of Umuduru’s President-General, Chief Barr Sir Daniel Ijebuka Okoro, causing extensive damage.
The timely intervention of the Imo State Police and the arrest of 10 suspects helped to restore order. However, tensions remain high as further acts of violence—such as road ambushes and vehicle burnings—have followed, with many of the culprits still on the run. Despite these challenges, the community leaders from both villages, including HRH Eze Iwunze of Nsu and Chief Jonathan Edoziem, have called for calm and urged both sides to resolve the conflict to prevent further escalation.
Umuopara and Umuduru Villages at Odds: Tensions Rise After Deadly Attack
In a statement to the press, Uzo Nzeaka, an indigene of Umuduru, described how the attackers disrupted the fundraising event at the Central School Field, accusing them of attacking out of envy and hatred. Chief Barr Sir Daniel Ijebuka Okoro, the President-General of Umuduru-Nsu, confirmed the widespread damage, including the destruction of his hotel, Dancynth Travelers Suites, and the loss of equipment such as generators and vehicles used for the event.
Okoro reported the incident to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, which led to the arrest of 10 suspects for their involvement in the murder and destruction. He also lamented the continued terrorizing of Umuduru villagers by Umuopara youths, who engaged in additional rampages, including snatching and burning vehicles of Umuduru residents returning from the Christmas holidays.
Imo State Clash: Tensions Between Ogoni Villages Lead to Deaths, Property Destruction
Despite the police’s efforts, tensions between the two communities have persisted. Okoro stressed that the violence could have been far worse without the timely intervention of the police from Tiger Base in Owerri, especially considering the lawlessness created by previous attacks on nearby police stations. In the aftermath of the initial attack, Umuduru-Nsu residents remain fearful, though community leaders have urged restraint to avoid further bloodshed.
President-General of Umuopara Community, Ferdinand Onukaogu, countered claims about the violence, suggesting that the fracas began when Umuduru people decided to hold their fundraising event at a different location than originally planned. He also denied any involvement in the hotel’s destruction, claiming to have been at a meeting with stakeholders when the fire broke out. Onukaogu further explained that the tension escalated when some Umuopara youths mistook Nsu’s traditional ruler, HRH Eze Iwunze, for taking sides in the dispute due to his informal attire.
As of the latest reports, the Imo State Police have yet to confirm the full details of the incident, with the Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stating that investigations are ongoing.
