The Eastern Hotspot

The Southeast region has been marred by violent conflicts caused by the activities of ‘unknown’ gunmen, kidnappers, and violent secessionist agitators. Among the five Southeast states, Imo state has ranked tops as the most affected by violent conflicts. The preponderance of violence in the state has put more residents in perpetual fear. The unrest in the region has continued further in the 2023 election year, with signs of resolving the conflict situation looking bleak. Also known as the eastern heartland, Imo state has become a hotspot for fierce secession agitations, unknown gunmen menace and kidnapping.

Between January 2021 and May 2023, 200 incidents resulting in 324 casualties have been recorded in Imo state, according to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database. Secessionist agitations have mostly exacerbated the conflict in the state. A recent incident in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state recorded an invasion of suspected Fulani herdsmen, leading to a motorcyclist’s death. Before this, there have been other incidents, such as the murder of the president of the customary court. Security operatives have not been spared from the onslaught of violence as crime has grown exponentially. Soldiers and police officers have been killed in large numbers, and several police stations around the state have been set ablaze. Attacks on security operatives have not only been brazen but have become frequent. Thus, these incidents indicate that the activities of unknown gunmen, suspected herdsmen, thugs, and kidnapping gangs plague the state. When aggregated with incidents in other regions, Imo state is the most affected by violence in the Southeast, according to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database.

While insecurity in the Southeast region and Imo state, in particular, appear difficult to mitigate, groups such as the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) allege the involvement of leaders and security operatives in the unending ordeal. The blame game may also have hindered efforts to arrest insecurity in the State. There is a need for the government to actively debunk all claims of involvement in the insecurity in the State by ramping up and enforcing a full-fledged clampdown on perpetrators of insecurity through a united security front. Nigerian security forces must be willing to collaborate with the people to manage the rising problem in the southeast zone, especially in Imo state. The tensions in the region show that depending exclusively on combat actions would not result in long-term peace but would increase the widening chasm between the government and the people.

Recommended Reading –

1. Building Capacity of Local Leaders for Effective Resolution of Communal Conflicts in South-East Nigeria
2. Restorative Justice Approach to Insecurity: A Beacon of Hope in the South-East?
3. Southeasts Volatility and The Election Year
4. Southeasts Lull and Losses
5. New Southeast Order