By Adadainfo
The people of Oru East and West local government areas of Imo State have staged a protest over the alleged killing of over ten youths from the area.
The victims were allegedly killed on Sunday by persons suspected to be members of Ebebuagu security outfit set up by the state government.
The protesters barricaded the Onitsha-Owerri road for hours. They were calling on the state government to stop the incessant killings and harassments of youths of the two local government areas by what they described as a ‘trigger-happy security outfit’.
Our correspondent gathered that operatives of Ebubeagu ran into the youths of Otulu community when they were returning from a marriage held at Awo-Omamma, a nearby community, on a motorcycle convoy, and opened fire on them, thereby killing many and injuring others.
One of them said, “We want justice to be done. What did they do to deserve such reckless killings?”
“Most of them are the breadwinners of their respective families. What on earth would warrant their death in this manner? Are they criminals?” another asked.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma, told newsmen in Owerri that the operation was carried out by a conventional security agency.
He added that interim reports indicated that the victims were bandits terrorizing the area.
The governor said his administration would not be deterred in fighting against criminals in the state.
Corpses of some of the victims were seen in viral videos as youths from the areas recovered the remains hours after the incident.
