…Residents said the gunmen invaded the company’s facility, set key operational equipment ablaze and fled the scene,
IMO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Gunmen have torched heavy-duty equipment owned by an oil firm operating in Asaa community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, in an incident that has escalated tensions and renewed security fears in the oil-producing region.
Residents said the gunmen invaded the company’s facility, set key operational equipment ablaze and fled the scene, causing significant damage.
In a telephone interview, the traditional ruler of Asaa, Eze Emma Asor, denounced the assault and disclosed that the community had begun moves to apprehend those behind it.
“The gunmen are on the run, but we are firmly pursuing them. If their actions were justified, why are they fleeing?” he queried.
The monarch noted that the suspects alleged marginalisation from benefits linked to oil activities in the area, a claim he rejected.
He maintained that those involved lacked the required expertise and had instead taken refuge in forests, allegedly collaborating with hoodlums from neighbouring communities.
Eze Asor decried the repeated destruction of both public infrastructure and private property, recalling that his own residence was previously vandalised, with fittings and a transformer stolen, forcing him to relocate to Owerri.
He further revealed that about four to five months ago, he held discussions with the Imo State Government and security agencies, who agreed to offer amnesty to youths engaged in criminal acts, but the effort failed to produce positive outcomes.
“Recent developments indicate they are determined to persist in criminality. Nonetheless, we are working to contain the situation. They will not be allowed to operate unchecked,” he said.
Sources also claimed that after damaging equipment belonging to Sterling Global, the armed men reportedly returned to the community seeking out local leaders, accusing them of denying them access to benefits from oil companies in the area.
Community members have urged security agencies to swiftly step in to restore peace and protect economic activities, warning that sustained attacks could erode investor confidence and endanger livelihoods in the oil-rich community.
