Charles Nwoke, Owerri, Nigeria.
After beheading him, the gunmen reportedly moved around with his head on a table in a market in Okporo community.
Fear grips residents of Okporo and its neighbouring communities in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, as unknown gunmen again raid the area, killing five persons and burning shops.
A yet to be known community leader was reportedly beheaded by the gunmen on rampage.
The head of the community leader was reportedly paraded by the hoodlums on a table in a market square in Okporo community, after beheading him.
According to reports from residents, the attack commenced on Sunday night and continued unabated till Monday morning.
Meanwhile, over twenty lockup shops were completely set ablaze and more than 10 vehicles were destroyed.
It is still not clear the reason behind the deadly attack, but inhabitants of the area have blamed it on criminal gangs as well as native doctors that operate freely at will without interference.
Also, a hotel was equally razed down by some unidentified armed men in security uniforms in Orlu, Imo State.
The hospitality facility belongs to a business mogul, Chinonso Uba.
According to report, Uba’s house was also burnt during the unfortunate raid.
A witness who pleaded anonymity because of the fear of the unknown gunmen, said the gunmen swooped the hotel with “two hilux vehicles, Mercedes 360, armoured car. They also burnt a brand new car belonging to Uba.”
A resident of Orlu who preferred his identity covered, said, “My brother, this is what we have been seeing since Sunday, Orlu is getting hot now. We are no longer sleeping. These criminals move freely in the night and they kill and destroy everything.
“Even this Monday morning, we heard of strange movements by these men in Okporo community and people started running. What is happening in Orlu is creating fears everywhere. These criminals started by beheading our people and now burning people’s homes. What do they want?
“When will all these attacks end? We are suffering in Orlu local government area and government should please send security operatives to us to end these attacks.
“Orlu deserves to be peaceful and people deserve to do their business peacefully. In a conducive environment, there will be development and people living in Orlu will be happy.”
Mike Abatam, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, disclosed that the police had earlier cordoned the forest of Njaba to curtail the activities of the hooligans in the area.