AFRICA/NIGERIA – Bishop of Orlu: “The military assault on the market of Eke Ututu risks alienating the support of the State from the population”

AFRICA/NIGERIA – Bishop of Orlu: “The military attack on the market at Eke Ututu could alienate the support of the state from the population.”

Abuja (Agenzia Fides). – “Stop further destruction of livelihoods and killing innocent people.” This is the appeal made by Msgr. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma (Bishop of Orlu) in Imo State, southern Nigeria, has appealed to the security forces that are accused of extrajudicial killings, and having destroyed the market in a local village.
Msgr. writes that on Saturday, September 17, 2022, armed people claiming to be from government security agencies invaded Orsuihiteukwa village in Orsu Local Government Area. This caused the deaths of some residents and the destruction of Eke Ututu marketplace, which is the mainstay of the economy of Orsu Local Government Area. Ukwuoma.
The Bishop recalls, “I have already condemned past violence.” “I believe that human life is sacred and should always be respected. Violence breeds violence, and the cycle continues. Only genuine dialogue can solve all problems. All families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident deserve my sincere condolences. May the souls and memories of these brethren rest in peace.
Msgr. Ukwuoma explains how the military’s actions are threatening the livelihoods of local people and could lead to them supporting the State. “The destruction of Eke Ututu’s market has added another dimension to our already dire situation. These people are subsistence farmers and petty traders who live mainly from their hands. They go to the market to buy and sell produce, as well as food for their families.
“Did the perpetrators think about how many people are dependent on this market as their main source for income? Did they consider the number of children who will be hungry because their parents have lost their income?
“Did the local people think about the resources that were burned, especially during this time of economic hardship?” Did they consider the psychological trauma that the violent act will cause to the local population?
Msgr. Msgr. I appeal to everyone to keep praying for peace in the region.
The State of Imo has the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement that aims to rebuild the Republic of Biafra. It is an ephemeral (1966-1970), born from the attempted separation of southern Nigeria. This caused a bloody civil War. The IPOB charged the governor of Imo State with ordering the attack against the Orsu Ihiteukwa Community. The governor’s spokesperson refuted the accusation. “Governor Uzodinma never, can never, and will not give instructions to security officers or anyone for that matter to murder innocent people,” said the spokesman. He also reminded that there are “operational Rules of Engagement” for “security agents, with their different hierarchies, who take responsibility for their actions.” Remember that Nigeria is a federal country with many state and federal security agencies. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/9/2022)

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