In a disturbing turn of events, Igga community in the Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State has reportedly been set ablaze by a combined force of Nigerian security operatives, purportedly in retaliation for the killing of two policemen and three members of the Enugu State Neighbourhood Watch Group.
The violence erupted following an attack on security operatives at Ada Rice Production Nigeria Limited, a farm settlement near the community. Suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) are said to have carried out the assault in response to recent attacks by herders on the nearby Nimbo community, resulting in four casualties.
Eyewitnesses reported that the security forces, composed of personnel from the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force, descended on Igga community the night after the initial attack, setting fire to houses and looting shops. Disturbing footage circulating online shows flames engulfing numerous properties while sporadic gunfire echoes in the background.
Amidst the chaos, protests erupted among women and children in the community, pleading for assistance as they faced violence and destruction. Villagers recounted harrowing experiences of homes being razed and lives lost, with one individual tragically perishing while attempting to flee the onslaught.
While the Enugu State Police Command confirmed the initial attack on the security personnel, they remained notably silent on the reported reprisal by security forces. According to the command, the initial attack was an unprovoked ambush on a team of policemen and Neighbourhood Watch members providing security for visiting investors.
In response to the incident, Enugu State Police Commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu vowed to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, condemning the “senseless act” and promising justice for the victims. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information regarding the situation, urging the public to refrain from circulating misleading videos alleging further violence in the community.
