The fifth person I know closely fled the South East last night. “Never to return again,” he said. House now for sale. Lost child due to unavailability of medical care during sit-at-home, lost a younger sister last year due to same problem; lost younger brother in one conflict in Orlu; elder brother lost car to enforcers in Onitsha just before the gubernatorial elections.
Where has he relocated to? Lokoja. “I cannot afford Abuja,” he yelled. What about your name? Won’t you suffer pogrom soon? He shot back: “to hell with that…I’ll change it.”
Please, can these enforcers understand that there are things called “rules of engagement in international and national conflicts.” Health institutions, the sick, children, women, the aged, civil environments, etc, are exempted in conflicts.
Otherwise, I’m constrained to believe that every armed robber is now a freedom fighter in Igbo land. Although I am aware that estranged coordinators are now on the loose and are not yielding a quarter.
Governments and security do not care. Trouble looms.
©️ Igbonekwu Ogazimorah