Tension soared in Owerri on Tuesday, March 25th, as a combined government taskforce and security agencies stormed Ogbosisi Market, Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State capital.
The invasion, which saw sporadic gunfire and widespread demolition, tragically eft two hospitalized, and led to the destruction of traders’ properties.
The taskforce, allegedly led by a top government official has been accused of carrying out the operation under orders from Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with masked individuals arriving in vehicles and opening fire, causing panic among traders and villagers alike.
Chief Christian Anukam, President General of Umuoyima Autonomous Community in Owerri Municipal Council, recounted the harrowing ordeal.
“We were waiting for the governor when vehicles with armed men arrived. They shot sporadically, killed two people, and injured two others,” he said.
Chief Anukam himself narrowly escaped harm after being warned by one of the attackers to flee.
The President General expressed disbelief over the justification for the attack. The assailants reportedly claimed the market was harbouring criminals, an allegation Chief Anukam dismissed as baseless.
He called on Governor Uzodinma to investigate the matter thoroughly, emphasizing that the market land was leased to the government in 2007 under Governor Achike Udenwa and later returned to the community.
Elder Godfrey Offurum, Chairman of the Umuoyima Council of Elders, confirmed the incident and criticized the taskforce’s actions.
He described the scene as chaotic, likening it to the Nigeria-Biafra war. “They came armed and started shooting indiscriminately. A soldier has no right to shoot like that,” he stated, urging the governor to apologize to the community.
Ekene Iheanacho, a car dealer at Ogbosisi Market, revealed that traders were given a quit notice prior to the attack but did not take it seriously.
“We were gradually moving our goods when the taskforce invaded. They started shooting and demolishing properties,” he said.
According to Ekene, both the government and the landowners are laying claim to the land, creating confusion and tension among traders.
The community leaders maintain that the land rightfully belongs to them. They provided documents supporting their claim and urged Governor Uzodinma to address the issue amicably.
Elder Offurum stressed, “The document is there; the land is ours. The governor should investigate and resolve this matter.”
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and traders, who accuse the taskforce of excessive force and disregard for human lives. Many have called for Governor Uzodinma to intervene and clarify whether the attack was sanctioned by his administration.
