-As Rights Activist, Nwanguma Raises Alarm, Calls For Proactive Action
Reports of alleged Boko Haram infiltration have reportedly sent jitters down the spines of residents of some communities in Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A of Imo State.
The concerns were raised by a civil society advocate named Okechukwu Nwanguma, who in a statement he signed and made available to the press, called on security agencies and community leaders in Ezinihitte Mbaise L.G.A.
Nwanguma, in a statement titled “Alert on Reported Security Threats in Ezinihitte Communities,” stated that he received information indicating that suspected Boko Haram terrorists may have infiltrated parts of the area, with reports suggesting that Chokoneze Community was under attack.
According to him, the concerns were relayed through a voice message from the Vice President General of Adakam Amumara, who expressed worry over intelligence and reports allegedly received from community sources.
Nwanguma said the message indicated that the situation had generated fear and panic among residents, while some community leaders in Ife were said to have confirmed the security scare.
“I have listened to a voice message from the Vice President General of Adakam Amumara expressing concern over troubling reports he received regarding the alleged infiltration of some communities in Ezinihitte by suspected Boko Haram terrorists,” Nwanguma said.
“According to the information conveyed, Chokoneze community is reportedly under attack, causing fear and panic among residents. It is further reported that some community leaders in Ife confirmed the security scare to him.”
He noted, however, that the Commander of Adakam Homeland Security, a community security structure established by the Imo State Government, reportedly denied having knowledge of the alleged developments.
Given the conflicting accounts, Nwanguma urged relevant authorities to immediately investigate the claims and provide the public with accurate information.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations, I call on the political, traditional and community leadership of Ezinihitte, as well as the heads of all relevant security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the leadership of the Imo State Homeland Security apparatus, to urgently ascertain the facts and provide the public with accurate information,” he said.
He stressed that whether the reports are eventually confirmed or disproved, they should be treated as an early warning signal requiring immediate attention from security agencies.
“Whether these reports are confirmed or disproved, they should be treated as an important early-warning signal requiring immediate attention. Security agencies must act proactively to verify the situation, strengthen surveillance, reassure residents, and take all necessary measures to protect lives and property,” he added.
Nwanguma further emphasised that the safety of residents must remain a top priority, warning that delays in responding to such reports could heighten public anxiety and undermine confidence in security institutions.
“The safety and security of our communities must remain paramount. Timely, coordinated and decisive action is essential to prevent panic, address any genuine threats, and maintain public confidence,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the South-East, where communities have faced attacks from armed groups, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in recent years.
Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the Imo State Police Command for official confirmation or denying the alleged infiltration or attacks in the affected communities were unsuccessful as the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye did not take his calls”.
