His Royal Highness Eze Boniface Chukwudi Okparaku, the Ezendigbo 1 of Abaranje/Okerube, Lagos and a prominent son of Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, have called for urgent federal intervention to address the extensive loss of lives, displacement, and destruction suffered by the Orsu community over the past five years.
In a facebook post on Friday, Eze Okparaku said individuals unfamiliar with the situation in Orsu may not fully grasp the level of suffering endured by residents since violent groups took control of parts of the area.
According to him, more than 6,000 people were killed, while thousands of indigenous residents of Orsu LGA and neighbouring communities in Anambra State were forced to flee their homes.
He added that armed groups allegedly tortured residents, restricted movement, and operated as though they had assumed governmental authority.
He noted that hospitals, schools, civic centres and private residences were burned, while markets were razed, adding that several investments, including hotels and pharmacies, were reportedly vandalised or set ablaze during the unrest.
He said many youths were coerced or intimidated into joining the violent groups, while some workers, including drivers from local transport companies, were lured into criminal activities.
He said that politicians, business owners and community leaders were also reportedly targeted, with families forced to pay ransoms to prevent further destruction.
He added that women and girls suffered violent attacks, including rape, during the period, while the level of devastation may take between 10 to 15 years to fully rebuild.
He alleged that despite the scale of the crisis, the federal government failed to intervene while residents were being killed and displaced, adding that it took the efforts of a few businessmen from Orsu LGA to challenge the activities of the armed groups.
He expressed concern that while the alleged perpetrators of the violence remain unaccountable and continue to operate from the Udeke Valley, government institutions appear to be targeting perceived political opponents through the courts instead of focusing on restoring security.
He appealed to lawmakers and federal authorities to prioritise the plight of Orsu LGA in ongoing national discussions on insecurity, insisting that the area urgently needs comprehensive government support.
He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to conduct an immediate assessment of the situation and demanded that compensation and special intervention funds be provided to displaced families and affected communities.
He also insisted that those responsible for the violence in Orsu and across the Southeast must be held accountable for their actions, stressing that justice remains essential for peace and long-term recovery.
