Residents in and around Osumoghu community in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State have fled their homes following air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Some of the residents who spoke to Punch said they fled their homes for fear of any reprisal attacks by the hoodlums being dislodged in the forests around the communities.
NAF had, on Wednesday, in a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced that it had bombed camps and armouries of terrorists in the area and neighbouring Imo state.
Gabkwet said the air operations were conducted following credible intelligence reports that the terrorists had finalised plans to unleash mayhem on residents.
An octogenarian in the community, who identified himself as Nnanna Offor, said, “Indigenes of Orsumoghu community have started fleeing in droves for fear that the terrorists may regroup and attack them.
“Those hoodlums are heartless. They do not even care who their brothers are, that is the main reason no one wants to take chances at the moment.
“Our people are leaving the community now. There are rumours that the terrorists are regrouping, and there is the likelihood that with the anger, anyone they find will be their target. I am the only one left at home in the village as all my people have run to the city.
“As you can see, the roads are not busy the way they ought to be and commercial activities have slowed down because the traders are not opening their shops.”
Another indigene, Madam Esther Nkwo, a retired teacher, said, “Our hearts are in our mouths at the moment. The only people you will find in the community right now are the elderly; the youths have fled.
“This is because the security operatives go after the innocent youths by tagging them IPOB and, in the process, take them away.
“The whereabouts of many people in the community who have been whisked away in such circumstances have remained unknown, so this is the reason it seems they are fleeing.”
