In the heart of Imo State, Nigeria, lies the Orsu Local Government Area (LGA), a once-thriving community now synonymous with fear, violence, and despair. Over the past few years, Orsu has become a flashpoint for a devastating security crisis that has left its residents living in constant terror, with many fleeing their homes and livelihood.
What was once a peaceful region known for its rich cultural heritage and agricultural abundance has been transformed into a war zone, plagued by kidnappings, murders, assassins, and merchants of all sorts of criminalities, with cannibalism, and arson added to the mix.
This is the reality of Orsu – a community under siege, where the echoes of gunfire have replaced the sounds of chattering birds, children playing in the courtyard or people living their daily lives. Sadly, this is as the hope for a return to its peaceful ways grows dimmer with each passing day.
Chaos
Orsu’s security crisis did not happen overnight. It is the result of a complex web of factors, including miss-governance, economic hardship, and the rise of armed groups. The region’s proximity to the densely forested areas of vast ungoverned spaces has made it a haven for criminal elements, including armed bandits, kidnappers, and the militant arms of various separatist groups. The crisis escalated in 2021, following the resurgence of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
While IPOB claims to be fighting for the secession of the Igbodominated southeast, its activities have often been accompanied by violence, including attacks on security forces, government facilities, and civilians perceived to be collaborators. In Orsu, this has translated into a brutal campaign of terror that has left the community reeling in despair.
The impact of the security crisis on Orsu’s residents has been catastrophic. Daily life has become a nightmare, with reports of kidnappings, killings, and arsons becoming all too common. Farmers can no longer tend to their crops, traders are afraid to travel to markets, and children are unable to attend school like other youngsters in other parts of the nation.
Markets, schools and even churches are all shut down. The once-bustling streets of Orsu are now eerily quiet, as most residents have abandoned their homes and the very few still residing in the community, live in fear of the next attack.
‘Hell on earth’
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described the situation as “hell on earth.” According to him: “We can’t sleep at night because we don’t know when the gunmen will come. They attack at any time, kill anyone they want, and burn down houses. We’ve lost count of how many people have been killed or kidnapped. It’s like we’ve been abandoned to our fate.” The human cost of the crisis is staggering. Families have been torn apart, with many losing loved ones to the violence. Others have been forced to flee their homes, becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their own country. Those who remain, live in constant fear, unsure of what the next day will bring.
Security forces
In response to the crisis, the Nigerian government has deployed security forces to Orsu, including soldiers, police, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). While these efforts have led to some successes, including the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of weapons, unfortunately their presence has also been marred by allegations of human rights abuses. Residents have accused security forces of carrying out extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and even the destruction of property in their efforts to root out the non-state actors.
These allegations have further eroded trust between the community and the authorities, making it even more difficult to restore peace to the area. “The security forces are supposed to protect us, but sometimes it feels like they’re making things worse,” said another resident. “They come into our communities, harass innocent people, and destroy our homes.
How can we trust them when they treat us like the enemy?” Nonetheless, in recent times, collaboration between the security forces and local vigilantes seem to be yielding unprecedented results in the battle against terror. While the incidents of abuse have drastically dropped, the locals are able to identify any suspect and understand the terrain of any location making intervention and clearance operations more precise and productive.
The security crisis in Orsu has also triggered a humanitarian crisis. With many residents unable to farm or trade, food shortages have become a major concern. The destruction of homes and infrastructure has left hundreds of people homeless, while the very limited access to healthcare and education has further compounded the suffering of the community.
Search for solution
Addressing the security crisis in Orsu will require a multifaceted approach that goes beyond just military intervention. While security forces have a major role to play in restoring order, lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, community engagement, and efforts to address the root causes of the lawlessness.
One potential solution is the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which would provide a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their stories and work towards healing. Such a process would need to be inclusive, transparent, and impartial, with the goal of fostering understanding and rebuilding trust within the community. Economic development is also critical.
Many of the young people who join armed groups do so out of desperation, driven by poverty and a lack of opportunities. By investing in education, job creation, and infrastructure, the government can provide alternatives to violence and help build a more productive and prosperous future for Orsu.
Human cost
For the people of Orsu, the situation remains dire. They are caught in the crossfire of a conflict they did not create, and their cries for help have gone largely unanswered until recently. Despite the interventions of the security forces, the land is still not at ease.
The violence continues in some parts of Orsu, even as the community’s resilience is being tested by these happenings. “We just want to live in peace,” said a despairing resident. “We want to be able to farm our land, send our children to school, and sleep at night without fear.
Is that too much to ask?” It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government, the international community, and all those who believe in the value of human life, should deepen their commitment to reclaiming the land of Orsu and winning the war against terror. The people of Orsu deserve peace.
Profile Orsu is the name of the dialect of the people that lived in the community that has become endangered. They are an Igbo sub-group located west of Orlu, North of Oguta and in the general areas around Oru East, Oru West, Ihiala, Nnewi South and Oguta LGAs. Orsu LGA is made up of several autonomous communities including Ihitenansa, Amaruru, Amazu, Amaebu, Amannachi, Awo-Idemili, Asaa Ubirielem, Eziawa, Umuhu Okabia, Orsu Ihiteukwa, Okwu Ufuruaku, Okwu Amaraihe and Okwu Etiti.
The population of the local government is estimated at 165,600 as accounted for by the 2016 census. Christianity is a widespread religion of the people though they also maintain their local traditions and festivals, with such festivals as the Iri ji Festival highly celebrated annually by the people.
Ofeke Day celebrations are held on January 1 on a yearly basis, with the appearance of masquerades a major highlight of the festival. The people of the region are mainly farmers and traders, with pockets of other professions and businesses in the mix. Cultivation of crops such as yam, cassava, oil palm, and vegetables are very important to the people. Some of the popular traditional markets are Eke Ubahaze and Ekeututu.
