Insecurity: Emulate the template of T.A Orji on Osisikankwu’s terror group — Activist urges S’east govs
A frontline human rights activist and author, Comrade Paul Ikechukwu Njoku, has urged the Southeast governors to emulate the template of the former governor of Abia State, T.A Orji, to stem the tide of insecurity ravaging the Southeast region.
He noted that the magical template of crushing the deadly terror groups led by a notorious terrorist, “Osisikankwu” during the tenure of T.A Orji as governor of Abia State can be adopted and replicated by the Southeast governors if they truly want to end the unprecedented insecurity in the region..
In a statement made available to News Band, Njoku stressed that, “The ruthless insecurity ravaging the Southeast can be properly dealt with by the Southeast governors if they have the willingness and compassion to end it.
“When T.A Orji was the governor of Abia State, he organized a security mechanization at all fronts of intelligence gathering, comprehensive security engagement and forensic mechanism amidst the ruthless insecurity led by a dreaded terrorist called “Osisikankwu” and his groups in Abia State at the time.
“As a governor, he utilized the security- votes at his disposal to bring everlasting peace and security in Abia State. I was born and entirely raised in Umuahia. I am still resident in Umuahia, Abia State till dare.
“Between 2007 and 2010, Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia State became a city of fear. Businesses were largely shut down. Families fled their towns, homes and villages. Those who remained lived in constant terror. The name on everyone’s lips was Osisikankwu who.was a man whose very mention sent shivers down the spine.
“Osisikankwu, born Obiọma Nwankwo, was not just a criminal; he was a terror nightmare. From Aba to Obigbo (Oyigbo) in Rivers State, he and his terror gangs of over 3,000 men turned kidnapping into a full-scale industry. His targets were the rich, the powerful, expatriates, government officials, and sometimes, ordinary people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“At that time, Aba was a ghost town For those who lived in Aba during this period, it was like a war zone. Fear ruled the city. People abandoned their homes, choosing to sleep in churches rather than risk being kidnapped in their own beds. Entire neighborhood were deserted—Ariaria Junction, Umuozuo, Obehi, Ala Oji, St. Mary Catholic Church area, uratta, etc were deserted.
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“Kidnappings became a daily occurrence. One of the most heart-wrenching stories was that of Chijioke (Igodo), a well-known businessman in Ariaria. When Osisikankwu’s men came for his older brother Tochukwu (Igodo), who had just returned from the hospital after surgery, Chijioke made a painful choice—he volunteered to go in his place. His family eventually secured his release, but many others were not lucky.
“Osisikankwu’s terror was not limited to Aba. His gang kidnapped three British nationals and a Colombian engineer from Shell’s Afam VI Power Plant in Rivers State. Ransoms were paid and they were released but the fear lingered. In 2010, he kidnapped two Germans, three Chinese nationals, and nine Nigerian workers at the Nigerian Steel Company. He also abducted Mrs. Victoria Ori, the wife of a wealthy Ohafia businessman and three journalists traveling through Aba after a Nigerian Union of Journalists’ meeting, huge ransom was reportedly paid before they were freed.
“In August 24, 2010, Osisikankwu’s gang, led by a thug called “Okwute” raided five banks in the Osisioma area of Aba. Every police officer and security guard on duty was killed. Religious leaders were not spared either. His men kidnapped a senior pastor, murdered an Indian businessman and in the most heartbreaking case, abducted and killed Dr. Stanley Uche, a well-respected gynecologist and hospital owner.
“The most shocking event came on September 27, 2010 which was the kidnapping of 15 schoolchildren from Abayi International School, Aba. That was when the entire country took notice. At the height of his terror, Osisikankwu gave an unintentional interview to a journalist. He claimed that his actions were fueled by the marginalization of Ngwaland, the largest ethnic group in Abia State. He said Ukwa-Ngwa had been abandoned and his violence was a way of drawing attention to their suffering.
“The kidnapping of schoolchildren was the final straw. Governor T A Orji hunt him down. After weeks of intense manhunts, he was tracked to the Ugwuati Evil Forest, his deadly hideout. The battle was fierce but when the dust settled, Osisikankwu was dead. His gang scattered. His girlfriend, Ogochi, was arrested, and a massive cache of weapons were seized.
“When news broke that Osisikankwu had been killed, Aba erupted in celebration. Businesses reopened, families returned and life slowly went back to normalcy. The fear that had gripped the city for years began to fade. But for those who lived through those dark days, the scars remain. The memories of loved ones lost, businesses destroyed and lives shattered will never be forgotten”.
Also, while speaking on the recent kidnapping and killing of Anambra State House of Assembly lawmaker, Honourable Justice Azuka, activist Paul said, “Southeast governors should as a matter of fact, wake-up and understand that their respective lawmakers in the State are also no longer saved in the hands of the deadly terror groups in the region. The kidnappers that recently killed Hon. Justice Azuka of Anambra state reportedly collected 100million nsira from his account and still k!lled him. The needful must be done by the Southeast governors to protect the lives and property of the people”.
