The Police Command in Anambra has debunked stories making the round that Umunze Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of the State was the operational headquarters of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the military wing of IPOB.
The command made the clarification following a news report attributable to a former lawmaker from the State.
Troops sack IPOB/ESN enclave, capture gunmen, fire arms
The ex-lawmaker, while reacting to the gruesome murder of one Mr Joe Ezenwebo and kidnap of another person in Nanka on Saturday, blamed the killings on the ‘general’ insecurity in Orumba North and Orumba South.
“Law enforcement agencies should dismantle the safe haven of these unknown gunmen that are suspected to have their headquarters in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, from where they terrorise other Communities in Anambra.
“I appeal to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra command to investigate this matter and ensure that the perpetrators are not only identified but made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
But in a statement, DSP Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said the allegations were frivolous and not in tune with reality.
He said the command, under CP Adeoye Aderemi, was not unaware of the insurgent activities in parts of Umunze, which borders a neighbouring state and that collaborative effort was ongoing to bring sanity to the area.
He said the Divisional Police Headquarters in Umunze was functioning at full capacity and that the Police had continued to discharge their responsibilities to the people.
According to him, the attention of the Anambra Police Command has been drawn to the story making the rounds on social media claiming that Umunze in Orumba South LGA, is the Headquarters of ESN and that the Police regard the town as a “No-Go-Area”.
“While we sympathise with the kidnapped victim who was allegedly held for four days in the area, it is important to let the public know that the claims attributed to the man are false and baseless.
“The public will recall that the Police-led Forward Operating Base in Aguata just last month smashed the insurgents Camp at Ogbunka near Umunze, rescuing three kidnapped victim, including a Priest.
“In the operation, we recovered nine stolen Vehicles, three Pump Action guns and arrested three of the criminals.
“So how can anyone claim the Police had described Umunze as a no-go area,” he said.
He said CP Adeoye wished to assure the good people of the State that their safety remained the most important priority of the Command.
