The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has demanded that the state government immediately explain the role of the Ebubeagu militia in the recent Awomama massacre.
While condemning the extra-judicial murder of over seven young men last Sunday in Awomama, Oru East, the party said for months now, the people of Orlu, Orsu, Oru East and Oru West, as well as Okigwe had constantly raised alarm over incessant killings and harassment of innocent youths and wanton destruction of property.
The state’s publicity secretary, Mazi Emenike Nmeregini, made the call in a release in Owerri.
Some young men were said to be attending a traditional marriage in the Awo-Omamma neighbouring community when they were killed by Ebubeagu, a local vigilante outfit.
The PDP stated that; “The party regrets the failure of the regime of Governor Hope Uzodimma to ensure the security of lives and property and has made lmo a horrifying space.
“Residents now live in constant fear of terror, abductions, assassinations, armed robberies and many other unprintable experiences have become daily facts of life in Imo. The laxity of the incumbent regime over this issue is just deeply suspicious.”
The PDP said Imolites were also highly suspicious of the rise of kidnappings and abductions for ransoms in the state.
The party said in all these cases, Governor Uzodinma had remained mute, and was often quick to defend the group.
“There are cases where the militia was reported to have mounted checkpoints on roads, collecting tolls and harassing innocent road users for no just cause. Residents also report that many young men have been shot dead at these checkpoints, others killed in their homes and their corpses paraded as neutralised bandits,” the party said.
While commiserating with those directly affected the PDP joined Amnesty International to call on the federal government to intervene.
“This ugly incident must not be swept under the carpet, like other numerous killings in the state,” it said.
