The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has denounced the recent attack on the National Open University of Nigeria Study Centre in Ezeoke Nsu, Ehime Mbano.
He also condemned the destruction of part of the residence of former Senator Frank Ibezim, carried out by unknown assailants.
According to The PUNCH, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, Danjuma emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it a “disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.”
The commissioner assured that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
“The Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement read.
In response to the attack, the police have deployed their Tactical Unit to the scene and instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation.
Danjuma further warned that anyone found complicit in the crime will face the full force of the law.
“No individual involved in this attack will escape the full legal consequences,” Danjuma assured, emphasizing the police’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Additionally, the commissioner urged the public to avoid spreading false information or making inflammatory statements that could disrupt peace in the state. “Anyone found guilty of perpetuating false information will face strict consequences,” he warned.
Reports confirm that gunmen attacked the NOUN Study Centre and Ibezim’s home on Monday night, setting both properties ablaze.
Addressing the attack on his residence, Senator Frank Ibezim dismissed rumors that the visit by federal officials to the NOUN centre was related to the resettlement of refugees or internally displaced persons.
He clarified that the visit was intended to assess the facility for training purposes.
“There is no intent to settle IDPs, refugees, or migrants at the NOUN Nsu Centre,” Ibezim stated, adding that the facility is an educational institution open to qualified candidates from across the country.
The former senator also highlighted that the training facility has been in use since October 2023, with over 200 students enrolled, and the visit was aimed at evaluating the centre’s potential for skill acquisition programs.
The Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, also dismissed viral claims that the federal government was establishing an IDP camp in the area.
“The purveyor of the disinformation is a notorious propagandist,” Emelumba said, stressing that the facility is intended solely for training South East residents.
He reiterated that similar projects exist in other geopolitical zones, with each zone responsible for training its own citizens, and at no time were there plans to bring refugees from other regions to Imo state.
The police and the state government continue to investigate the incident while urging calm and cooperation from the public.
