MANDIPUTIN:
Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught...

Policemen posted to the South East are seeking redeployment following the spate of killings of security operatives in the region, Daily Trust on Sunday has learnt.

Tens of policemen have lost their lives in several attacks on police formations across the South East as the region has recorded more than fifty attacks on security formations and killings of operatives in the South East by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in recent times.

Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Policemen posted to the South East are seeking redeployment following the spate of killings of security operatives in the region, Daily Trust on Sunday has learnt.

Tens of policemen have lost their lives in several attacks on police formations across the South East as the region has recorded more than fifty attacks on security formations and killings of operatives in the South East by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in recent times.

Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Nigerians pay billions of naira to DisCos despite frequent outages
Abduction: Protesters cause gridlock on Kaduna-Abuja Highway
Meanwhile, at least seven policemen are facing an orderly room trial for deserting their duty posts in Imo State.

There are strong indications that policemen attached to the Imo State Police Command are currently seeking to be redeployed out of the state following a series of attacks on security personnel by suspected members of ESN, the paramilitary wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Some of the policemen are seeking help from both serving and retired senior police officers as well as from their political godfathers.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the officers are seeking to be deployed to Investigating units such as the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, and special Squad.

It was also learnt that the affected personnel are currently meeting with their contacts within and outside the state and are willing to pay for their prayers to be granted.

While some senior officers believe that the officers should remain in the state to tackle the insecurity, others have already reached out to the police high command in a bid to facilitate the deployment.

A senior police officer who did not wish to be named said he turned down several of such appeals, insisting that those seeking redeployment also sought to be transferred from the North East in a bid to escape from the Boko Haram insurgency in the area.

“If they all leave, who will stay back to help the Command restore peace in the state?” he asked.

“They should remain. After all, they enjoyed it when it was peaceful,” he said.

It was learnt that some of the officers based their request on the need to be reunited with members of their families.

Police desert street, checkpoints disappear
Moving from Garki, in Enugu South Local Government Area to Camp in Enugu North, and heading to the New Market through Trade Fair Complex areas in Trans-Ekulu to Nike Lake Hotel, in Enugu East Local Government Area – all within the state capital – there is no security check-point on any of the roads.

This is unlike in the past when security check-points were mounted for stop-and-search exercises on motorists.

The roads and streets of Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, are lacking uniformed policemen and the usual security check-points. This is not unconnected with the hike in violent attacks on security men and formations in the zone.

It was also observed that police personnel no longer move about freely in their uniform.

“The fear of attack from unknown armed men is the beginning of wisdom now,” said a female police officer.

Mr Amuche Ani, a taxi driver, said the development is a welcome one as he no longer gives out money grudgingly to security men at check-points.

But a passenger, Mrs Amaka Ugwu, quickly interjected: “What you are calling a good development now may turn a bad one tomorrow when armed men will probably attack you and your family and there will be no official security men to call for rescue.

“The situation is as bad as that. We should discourage attacks on security men and their formations. Also, security men should stop killing our youths,” she said.

The same scenario was observed in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State as most checkpoints have been abandoned with no personnel to man them.

A resident who does not want to be named said, “I can confirm to you that there are no checkpoints in Aba again.

“The policemen have all deserted over the fear of possible killings by unknown gunmen. Policemen no longer patrol again.”

Our correspondent observed that most policemen now go to work wearing mufti. They only dress in their official uniforms when they get to their offices. It was also noted that policemen now use unbranded vehicles to effect an arrest and carry out other operations in the state.

Military checkpoints are also deserted, especially in the evening.


Cultists on the prowl
The attacks on security formations have made policemen “withdraw” their services from the streets which have given room to increase in crime-related activities.

Residents of Aba have decried the rapid increase in the number of youths currently getting involved in cult-related activities.

Findings show that some popular areas are now controlled by cultists who reign supreme, with little or no confrontation from security operatives.

Ogbor-Hill is controlled by a group called Supreme Vikings; Over-Rail by Aro-Baga; Osisioma by Aiye; Ndiegoro by Aro-Baga while other areas are controlled by different cults.

A Police sergeant, who first expressed fear talking to our correspondent, said security operatives are no longer safe in the state.

“Why are they killing and attacking us? We do this job with fear. We don’t know if we’ll return home alive after leaving the house in the morning.

“Most of the policemen killed have young children, who will take care of them?” he queried.

“Personally, I don’t have the connection else I would have moved my family out of here. I have to move my family out of Aba for fear of possible attacks,” he added.

Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he won’t disclose efforts and modalities put in place to ensure the safety of their officers and police formations in the state.

Self-imposed curfew in Imo
Residents of Imo State have gone into self-imposed curfew following the spate of attacks on government institutions in the state.

No fewer than 10 police stations have been attacked in the state, including the headquarters of the state police command.

There are also reported cases of indiscriminate killings of citizens, suspected members of ESN by law enforcement agents. Residents now go to bed as early as 8 pm as major streets are deserted from 6 pm.

The ESN members have also been accused of attacking and killing people from the North.

For a city known for its nightlife, Owerri has become a ghost of itself as fun spots across the metropolis witness very low patronage.

Transporters plying Owerri now leave the town before dark, making some travellers remain stranded and scramble to gain a seat in the few ones that dare to take the risk.

Last Monday, three persons were killed in front of the Government House, including a first-year undergraduate of the Imo State University, identified as Divine Nwaneri, and a pig farmer who was shot while carrying some pigs inside his bus.

A day before, a robbery incident along Orji road, leading to Okigwe, left two persons dead, while a serving commissioner was shot. This came 24 hours after the private residence of Governor Hope Uzodimma was attacked and three security agents killed.

The situation was made worse by the fact that there was no single law enforcement officer along the streets.

Many residents, who spoke to our correspondent, said they can’t afford to be caught up in any shooting spree as no part of the state is safe anymore.

Mr Leonard Akudinanwa, a motor parts seller, said he now closes his shop at 5.30 pm in order to get to his Naze home on or before 6 pm.

He said, “Even if the government did not order any curfew, any sensible person should know that these are not the best of times.

“So, you need to devise any means to protect yourself. One of these means is to avoid staying out late. I close my shop as early as 5.30 and get home by 6 pm or thereabout.

“I either retire to bed or watch TV with my children if I am able to buy petrol. For the past one month, we’ve not had electricity in my neighbourhood.”

A hotelier, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it has been bad business for the hospitality industry since the problem started as most hotels are now recording very low patronage.

He said, “This is a 50-room hotel and at best of times, you need to book ahead before you get accommodation, but today you hardly get up to 10 guests. It is as bad as that.”

He said the situation has worsened with the closure of land borders by the governments of neighbouring states.

Popular areas like New Owerri, where ladies of easy virtue stand to solicit for clients are now deserted.


Government buildings fortified
Daily Trust on Sunday learnt that stricter security measures have been put in place in most government-owned establishments. Accessing any of these buildings has become a Herculean task as several blockades are mounted by stern-looking security operatives.

In Enugu, sensitive places such as the Government House, otherwise known as Lion Building located in Independence Layout, the office of the DSS also located in Independence Layout, state Police Command Headquarters in GRA, the Police College on Agbani Road, have had their security beefed up.

“When you hear that a serving governor’s country home was burnt by gunmen and that they attempted to force themselves into the Government House, Owerri, you can now understand why to enter the Lion Building is an uphill task,” said a security man at the Government House who didn’t want his name in print.

The same ‘heavy blockade’ is also placed on the road to the office of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad, formerly known as Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, at the New Market area or Trans-Ekulu also within the state capital. You can’t easily access these places without explaining your mission while being thoroughly searched or screened by the security men.

The aides to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who were asked to comment on the reason for the ‘air-tight’ or ‘water-tight’ security in the Government House declined. “Don’t bring me into such security matters,” one of them said. “It’s a very sensitive issue.”

Read more:
https://dailytrust.com/uneasy-calm-as-police-desert-streets-in-south-east?fbclid=IwAR22HiCOTTc-5uQ0EMbiHxUYZBIA8od9jSe5m_aSX1b9Id5cy3sJx9g7UE4

Ebube should deal with internal security threats like armed robbery and cultism while ESN deal with external aggression like Fulani herdsmen invasion and Nigeria Fulani Military unwarranted aggression on the people of South East.


As it stands now no Police Officer will respond to any security threat in the East.

We can only achieve freedom when people shake off the fear of death and face death itself. For years this guys extorted easterners with their illegal check points but thanks to Nnamdi KANU who did a tough job of reminding Igbo's who they are.

life2017:
I pity all d Hotel owners in Owerri. Their business have been destroyed

Very true. Owerri is known for brothels and prostitutes, everyone is on the run including gov Uzodimma who has been living in Abuja

United States advisory for foreigners and non foreigners intending to travel or stay in any part of the Eastern Region: 'stay 1km away from any security formation because they are endangered species' failure of which might get you caught in the midst of a cross fire. To before warned is to before armed.

The too many road blocks mounted on the roads in the south east has been reduced.....they left there work and started collecting N50 or N100. ...

SLAP44:


What is your concern? GO back to your own region and help Bury the dead.

how I wish you were the victim that was shot dead at Douglas roads rather than the innocent Imsu law student.
I assure you, your father and all relatives will never escape the next attack by UGM then u will know how it hurts.
Fool

MANDIPUTIN:
Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught...

Policemen posted to the South East are seeking redeployment following the spate of killings of security operatives in the region, Daily Trust on Sunday has learnt.

Tens of policemen have lost their lives in several attacks on police formations across the South East as the region has recorded more than fifty attacks on security formations and killings of operatives in the South East by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in recent times.

Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Policemen posted to the South East are seeking redeployment following the spate of killings of security operatives in the region, Daily Trust on Sunday has learnt.

Tens of policemen have lost their lives in several attacks on police formations across the South East as the region has recorded more than fifty attacks on security formations and killings of operatives in the South East by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in recent times.

Most of the cities in the region have also become a ghost town as businesses are forced to close early to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Nigerians pay billions of naira to DisCos despite frequent outages
Abduction: Protesters cause gridlock on Kaduna-Abuja Highway
Meanwhile, at least seven policemen are facing an orderly room trial for deserting their duty posts in Imo State.

There are strong indications that policemen attached to the Imo State Police Command are currently seeking to be redeployed out of the state following a series of attacks on security personnel by suspected members of ESN, the paramilitary wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Some of the policemen are seeking help from both serving and retired senior police officers as well as from their political godfathers.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the officers are seeking to be deployed to Investigating units such as the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, and special Squad.

It was also learnt that the affected personnel are currently meeting with their contacts within and outside the state and are willing to pay for their prayers to be granted.

While some senior officers believe that the officers should remain in the state to tackle the insecurity, others have already reached out to the police high command in a bid to facilitate the deployment.

A senior police officer who did not wish to be named said he turned down several of such appeals, insisting that those seeking redeployment also sought to be transferred from the North East in a bid to escape from the Boko Haram insurgency in the area.

“If they all leave, who will stay back to help the Command restore peace in the state?” he asked.

“They should remain. After all, they enjoyed it when it was peaceful,” he said.

It was learnt that some of the officers based their request on the need to be reunited with members of their families.

Police desert street, checkpoints disappear
Moving from Garki, in Enugu South Local Government Area to Camp in Enugu North, and heading to the New Market through Trade Fair Complex areas in Trans-Ekulu to Nike Lake Hotel, in Enugu East Local Government Area – all within the state capital – there is no security check-point on any of the roads.

This is unlike in the past when security check-points were mounted for stop-and-search exercises on motorists.

The roads and streets of Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, are lacking uniformed policemen and the usual security check-points. This is not unconnected with the hike in violent attacks on security men and formations in the zone.

It was also observed that police personnel no longer move about freely in their uniform.

“The fear of attack from unknown armed men is the beginning of wisdom now,” said a female police officer.

Mr Amuche Ani, a taxi driver, said the development is a welcome one as he no longer gives out money grudgingly to security men at check-points.

But a passenger, Mrs Amaka Ugwu, quickly interjected: “What you are calling a good development now may turn a bad one tomorrow when armed men will probably attack you and your family and there will be no official security men to call for rescue.

“The situation is as bad as that. We should discourage attacks on security men and their formations. Also, security men should stop killing our youths,” she said.

The same scenario was observed in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State as most checkpoints have been abandoned with no personnel to man them.

A resident who does not want to be named said, “I can confirm to you that there are no checkpoints in Aba again.

“The policemen have all deserted over the fear of possible killings by unknown gunmen. Policemen no longer patrol again.”

Our correspondent observed that most policemen now go to work wearing mufti. They only dress in their official uniforms when they get to their offices. It was also noted that policemen now use unbranded vehicles to effect an arrest and carry out other operations in the state.

Military checkpoints are also deserted, especially in the evening.


Cultists on the prowl
The attacks on security formations have made policemen “withdraw” their services from the streets which have given room to increase in crime-related activities.

Residents of Aba have decried the rapid increase in the number of youths currently getting involved in cult-related activities.

Findings show that some popular areas are now controlled by cultists who reign supreme, with little or no confrontation from security operatives.

Ogbor-Hill is controlled by a group called Supreme Vikings; Over-Rail by Aro-Baga; Osisioma by Aiye; Ndiegoro by Aro-Baga while other areas are controlled by different cults.

A Police sergeant, who first expressed fear talking to our correspondent, said security operatives are no longer safe in the state.

“Why are they killing and attacking us? We do this job with fear. We don’t know if we’ll return home alive after leaving the house in the morning.

“Most of the policemen killed have young children, who will take care of them?” he queried.

“Personally, I don’t have the connection else I would have moved my family out of here. I have to move my family out of Aba for fear of possible attacks,” he added.

Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he won’t disclose efforts and modalities put in place to ensure the safety of their officers and police formations in the state.

Self-imposed curfew in Imo
Residents of Imo State have gone into self-imposed curfew following the spate of attacks on government institutions in the state.

No fewer than 10 police stations have been attacked in the state, including the headquarters of the state police command.

There are also reported cases of indiscriminate killings of citizens, suspected members of ESN by law enforcement agents. Residents now go to bed as early as 8 pm as major streets are deserted from 6 pm.

The ESN members have also been accused of attacking and killing people from the North.

For a city known for its nightlife, Owerri has become a ghost of itself as fun spots across the metropolis witness very low patronage.

Transporters plying Owerri now leave the town before dark, making some travellers remain stranded and scramble to gain a seat in the few ones that dare to take the risk.

Last Monday, three persons were killed in front of the Government House, including a first-year undergraduate of the Imo State University, identified as Divine Nwaneri, and a pig farmer who was shot while carrying some pigs inside his bus.

A day before, a robbery incident along Orji road, leading to Okigwe, left two persons dead, while a serving commissioner was shot. This came 24 hours after the private residence of Governor Hope Uzodimma was attacked and three security agents killed.

The situation was made worse by the fact that there was no single law enforcement officer along the streets.

Many residents, who spoke to our correspondent, said they can’t afford to be caught up in any shooting spree as no part of the state is safe anymore.

Mr Leonard Akudinanwa, a motor parts seller, said he now closes his shop at 5.30 pm in order to get to his Naze home on or before 6 pm.

He said, “Even if the government did not order any curfew, any sensible person should know that these are not the best of times.

“So, you need to devise any means to protect yourself. One of these means is to avoid staying out late. I close my shop as early as 5.30 and get home by 6 pm or thereabout.

“I either retire to bed or watch TV with my children if I am able to buy petrol. For the past one month, we’ve not had electricity in my neighbourhood.”

A hotelier, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it has been bad business for the hospitality industry since the problem started as most hotels are now recording very low patronage.

He said, “This is a 50-room hotel and at best of times, you need to book ahead before you get accommodation, but today you hardly get up to 10 guests. It is as bad as that.”

He said the situation has worsened with the closure of land borders by the governments of neighbouring states.

Popular areas like New Owerri, where ladies of easy virtue stand to solicit for clients are now deserted.


Government buildings fortified
Daily Trust on Sunday learnt that stricter security measures have been put in place in most government-owned establishments. Accessing any of these buildings has become a Herculean task as several blockades are mounted by stern-looking security operatives.

In Enugu, sensitive places such as the Government House, otherwise known as Lion Building located in Independence Layout, the office of the DSS also located in Independence Layout, state Police Command Headquarters in GRA, the Police College on Agbani Road, have had their security beefed up.

“When you hear that a serving governor’s country home was burnt by gunmen and that they attempted to force themselves into the Government House, Owerri, you can now understand why to enter the Lion Building is an uphill task,” said a security man at the Government House who didn’t want his name in print.

The same ‘heavy blockade’ is also placed on the road to the office of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad, formerly known as Special Anti-robbery Squad, SARS, at the New Market area or Trans-Ekulu also within the state capital. You can’t easily access these places without explaining your mission while being thoroughly searched or screened by the security men.

The aides to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who were asked to comment on the reason for the ‘air-tight’ or ‘water-tight’ security in the Government House declined. “Don’t bring me into such security matters,” one of them said. “It’s a very sensitive issue.”

Read more:
https://dailytrust.com/uneasy-calm-as-police-desert-streets-in-south-east?fbclid=IwAR22HiCOTTc-5uQ0EMbiHxUYZBIA8od9jSe5m_aSX1b9Id5cy3sJx9g7UE4

this just remind me of some states in the north early 2011, but when security force come back, road blocks everywhere.

Igbochief001:
When people who hate you state showing care and compression advising u that what you are doing is not good ...know u are doing the right thing

For the first time nigerian state built an airport with 100% locally sorted material ...yet it's not trending

5 years ago most Igbos didn't want biafra ...I me inclusive. ..but today ....ah it's over 90%

Pls, Igbos have always wanted Biafra. Speak for yourself.

SLAP44:


The police and army are the criminals in the SE

Nigeria army and police are like boko haram and bandits in east.


We don't need them,even criminals feels local Vigilantes more than they feel Nigeria police.

Good for them, before now South East is an oil well and a juicy place the bribe to be posted.
Why are they running away now, kedu ihe unu Ji agbazi oso, unu amaghi Ka anyi siri kwado now.
Onye nochie uzo, oga zaa ajuju n'ihu chukwu.

Good afternoon guys....During the 5th anniversary of Buypower I won a token from them (10k) units....So I want to sell it. Anyone that is interested, living in Port Harcourt an using prepaid meter should quote me... I need the money so that I can use it for my school fee

life2017:
I pity all d Hotel owners in Owerri. Their business have been destroyed

pity for a poor man like your self bcs the least hotelier in owerri can boast of 200 million naira cash not property

I noticed this yesterday coming along east west road ...deserted check point

I actually like that the police are scared.

I love this. Every wild animal can be tamed.

May the devil baptise Nnamdi Kanu for the confusion he's instigating in the south east!

Where cubana my owerri

Banks will be a juicy place to attack now.

Mr Amuche Ani, a taxi driver, said the development is a welcome one as he no longer gives out money grudgingly to security men at check-points
This is the main reason for all the attacks
You can't leave the north and come and start mounting check points in the East

That's how it started in the NE....the Law enforcement was chased off, and the thugs...took over, and the people rejoiced...thinking somehting new was happening....until the thugs came for their food and their children and their wives...

The same thing is happening in the SE....the thugs have taken over, and everyone is happy. Till the thugs institute thug law....

Yes, the Police and Army have been unjust....but the new powerbrokers are going to be worse.

The main issue is that in Nigeria we are all looking for a hero that would come and put things in place...forgetting that democracy is all about doing the hard work of changing your self and your leaders.

But Nigerians prefer to look for a hero, or for Sharia in the North, or for new country in the South, yet, they won't do the hard work of demcracy. They won't vote good leaders, they support bad leaders, and mock those who refuse to be part of the chosing of bad leaders.

And they expect miracles.

Well, I don't like the police...but driving them off means inviting the rule of thug. And that is a harsh lesson people in the NE are learning. Pray the SE don't have to learn that lesson.

P.S The Bakassi Boys were initally the good guys. We know how that ended....innocent people being held in concentration-like camps. For nothing.

Burtonj:
We don't need the military or the police to mount any road block in any part Igbo land because we are not at war.

The North are the people that need those tight and numerous road blocks because they are being ravaged by Insecurities.

Igbo land isn't at war and we don't need road blocks. All they do here is to extort the poor masses.

Enough is enough

So me and other people that have business that deals with cash don't need police

But a passenger, Mrs Amaka Ugwu, quickly interjected: “What you are calling a good development now may turn a bad one tomorrow when armed men will probably attack you and your family and there will be no official security men to call for rescue.

The woman wey get sense pass IPOB members on Nairaland

this country is just up side down

temptnow:
Useless Zoo Police and army

Let them come out Na,

Ndi Nzuzu

.mumu if Dem come out now,,,u go dey open ya mouth dey call Donald Trump & Israel.. .. Mumu always starting wat they can't finish

“Most of the policemen killed have young children, who will take care of them?” he queried.

Nairaland IPOB, over to you? Making your own kids orphans!

life2017:
I pity all d Hotel owners in Owerri. Their business have been destroyed

They failed to challenge the supreme court injustice in protest. Let them suffer.

The ESN members have also been accused of attacking and killing people from the North.

Everyone is aware of this.

maasoap:


Nairaland IPOB, over to you? Making your own kids orphans!

They will call it a sacrifice for the revolution...

Though, if APC had done the right things...like running this country's security and economy better...IPOB won't have had mouth to talk.

A hotelier, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it has been bad business for the hospitality industry since the problem started as most hotels are now recording very low patronage.

When you are doing yourself but think that you're doing me.

I still don’t understand why news outlets are posting “fake news” when those involved or staying in the region claims otherwise.

You claimed somewhere is burning, dem say e no burn.

Claim somewhere is a ghost town, dem say e dey bubble.

Na wa for this country o

This particular thread....

Mrlcredible:
how I wish you were the victim that was shot dead at Douglas roads rather than the innocent Imsu law student.
I assure you, your father and all relatives will never escape the next attack by UGM then u will know how it hurts.
Fool

The boy was executed by you Fulani jihadists and their slaves.
You must be one of them that is why you are promising more extra judicial ecexutions by security services in the south east.