Imo PDP demands probe of Orsu attack, seeks justice for victims

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has condemned recent attack on Orsu-Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Council of the state by yet to be identified persons.

Unspecified number of people were killed as the community’s popular market, Eke Ututu, was burnt down, destroying goods and property worth hundreds of million of naira.

Victims of the attack, including shop owners in the market, as well as community leaders, have cried to government for assistance, demanding that perpetrators be apprehended and made to face the law.

In a statement signed by the Imo PDP spokesman, Collins Opurozor, the party accused the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, of insensitivity to the plight of victims, while calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and ensure justice over the incident.

The statement reads in part: “The PDP in Imo condemns, in the strongest terms, the bombardment of Orsu-Ihiteukwa, in Orsu Council of Imo, which, in its wake, the popular Eke Ututu market was razed, killing many people.

“For the people of Orsu-Ihiteukwa and neighbouring communities, Eke Ututu is the symbol of economic wellbeing of the people, and it embodies their dreams for a better tomorrow. Today, this source of livelihood, for thousands of people of the community, has become a heap of debris.

“Yet, despite tears, blood and damages the incident caused, it is unfortunate that, till this moment, the All Progressives Congress (APC) adminstration in Imo has not deemed it necessary to explain to the people, what actually happened and why it happened.

“Imo PDP believes that the silence of the Uzodimma administration in the face of such unprovoked attack on defenceless citizens speaks volumes about the depth of disdain, which the state government has for Imo people.”

“Out party, therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to set up an independent panel of inquiry to unravel the circumstances that led to the attack and make those responsible to face the law.

MEANWHILE, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the development as horrific and unpardonable crimes against humanity.

The rights group said it is unfortunate that such incident is happening under the watch of elected representatives of the people.

HURIWA described the Orsu-Ihiteukwu community killings as reprehensible genocide. It, therefore, called on the United Nations to intervene and made perpetrators face international justice mechanism.