Attack on NOUN in Imo: Police Apprehends Over 8 Suspects

The Imo state police command announced on Wednesday that about eight culprits were apprehended in connection with the burning of the study centre of the National Open University, NOUN, located at Eze Oke Nsu in the Ehime Mbano Council Area of the state, last Tuesday.

This was revealed to journalists in Owerri by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye.

Okoye said, “I am pleased to declare that about eight culprits have been apprehended in relation to the arson incidents in Ehime Mbano. 

Findings are ongoing. More information will be communicated in due course.

According to reports, the attack came following the rumour that was circulated in the state that the NOUN centre would be used to house internally displaced persons, or IDPs.

Meanwhile, tension has continued to rise in the impacted communities over fear reports that there could be more attacks.

A leader of the Nsu community, who wished to be anonymous for safety reasons, advised that it is necessary for security forces to set up checkpoints, especially on roads leading to the Ehime Mbano Council of the state.

“Indigenes of my community have not slept since Tuesday night due to fear. We must take this kind of situation seriously.”

A community leader of the neighbouring community, who was a former President General, affirmed, “Security forces must collaborate with the local security forces now to protect not only Nsu but also the whole communities in Ehime Local Government Area of the state.

We must all be vigilant and report any suspicious activity because now that they have started, they must be interrupted for the well-being of our community.