In a disturbing incident on Tuesday night, suspected arsonists set ablaze the residence of former Senator Frank Ibezim and several facilities at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study center in Ezeoke-Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.
This attack follows the circulation of a viral video suggesting that the Federal Government intends to convert the NOUN facility into a training ground for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
The video gained traction after Tijani Mohammed, Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, visited the NOUN study center, which is designated as a national training site for vulnerable individuals.
During a TVC News interview, Mohammed, accompanied by Ibezim, announced plans for a training program aimed at vulnerable populations to begin by year-end.
According to community sources, the arson occurred around 9 PM on Monday, likely fueled by fears and misinformation regarding the proposed training initiative.
One local resident remarked, “Many in the community oppose this IDP training program, especially since Imo State does not have a significant IDP population.” This sentiment was echoed by another community leader who noted the facility’s dual role as Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School, the area’s only boarding institution. “The loss of these buildings is devastating for our community,” he said.
Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma condemned the attack as “barbaric.” ASP Henry Okoye, spokesman for the Imo Police Command, stated that Danjuma has dispatched a Tactical Unit to investigate and apprehend those involved. “The commissioner has ordered a thorough investigation into this incident,” Okoye said, highlighting a troubling trend of violence that jeopardizes community safety.
Danjuma urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation, warning that those disseminating false news would face serious consequences. He emphasized the need for cooperation among security agencies to ensure justice for the affected community.