Umuoba Anam Youths Call for Urgent Investigation into Army Shooting, Arrest of Unarmed Civilians

The leadership of the Umuoba Anam Youth Council has called for an urgent investigation into alleged shootings and arrests of unarmed civilians by soldiers deployed to the area as part of a peacekeeping operation.

The youth council alleged that some residents were shot and wounded while others were arrested by security personnel during operations in the community, raising concerns that the situation could lead to further casualties if not urgently addressed.

Speaking on behalf of Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, the President General of the Council, Engr. Peter Okuevune, commended the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government for their prompt response in deploying security personnel to the disputed area.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the failure of some security operatives to prevent further attacks and destruction of property in Umuoba Anam.

According to him, the community initially believed that the troops were genuinely committed to restoring peace, but noted that unfamiliarity with the terrain and boundary disputes might have contributed to difficulties in carrying out their duties.

“On our own side, we felt that they were genuinely committed to their peacekeeping operation. Maybe their challenge was the fact that they don’t know the territory well. Maybe it was difficult for them to differentiate the boundaries,” he said.

He stressed that the community had demonstrated its preference for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, adding that residents had continued to respect the security personnel deployed to the area.

“On our own, we have demonstrated that we prefer peaceful resolution of the crisis to war, and we respect them,” Okuevune said.

He, however, alleged that some troops fired live ammunition in an attempt to disperse or intimidate youths, resulting in injuries to residents.

“Unfortunately, in their bid to scare our youths, they shot, and many people caught by stray bullets have sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds. They also arrested some of our youths right inside our community,” he alleged.

Okuevune said the youth council was particularly concerned about the circumstances surrounding the alleged shootings and arrests, insisting that the affected youths were not involved in any confrontation with the troops.

“We have no idea why they were doing that, despite the fact that they did not face any confrontation from Umuoba Anam youths,” he said.

He questioned why troops deployed for peacekeeping duties would allegedly open fire on civilians inside the community.

“The reason troops deployed for peacekeeping were shooting at Umuoba Anam people is what we don’t understand. If they were shooting in the air to scare people away, it’s understandable, but shooting live bullets at defenceless civilians is uncalled for,” Okuevune said.

He called for an independent investigation to establish what happened and determine whether the conduct of the personnel involved was consistent with their rules of engagement.

“We need investigation to know the reason soldiers are shooting at Umuoba Anam people and arresting youths. Those responsible for this deviation from the rules of engagement should be quickly identified and punished,” he said.

The youth leader added that the community did not want further casualties arising from the actions of personnel deployed to maintain peace.

“We don’t want more casualties from soldiers sent to make peace,” he said.

Okuevune, however, acknowledged the broader security efforts in the area, noting that the troops were playing a commendable role in maintaining peace at Otuocha.

The youth council therefore urged the relevant authorities to urgently investigate the alleged shootings and arrests, clarify the circumstances surrounding the incidents, and take appropriate action where any breach of the rules of engagement is established.

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