Insecurity: Eziawa youths unite to reclaim homeland in Imo State

By Francis Odupute

Orsu LGA, Imo State — In a remarkable show of resilience and unity, displaced youths and survivors of Eziawa community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State have launched a collective effort to reclaim and rebuild their homeland after years of insecurity, bloodshed, and mass displacement caused by armed violence linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) crisis in the region.

Since 2021, dozens of communities in Orsu, including Eziawa, have suffered devastating attacks, forcing hundreds of families to flee to urban centers and other states across Nigeria. However, the tide appears to be turning. Eziawa’s sons and daughters — many of whom are currently living in diaspora communities within Nigeria and abroad — have begun organizing through virtual platforms to fund and coordinate local security interventions ahead of a planned “Mass Return” to their ancestral home in January 2026.

During a recent interactive online session on the official WhatsApp platform, The New Face of Eziawa Clan Youths, the Chairman of the Eziawa Security Committee, Mr. Obinna Agbordike, gave a comprehensive update on the committee’s progress in restoring peace and security in the community.

Agbordike revealed that the security committee has been actively liaising with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies in Imo State to ensure that peace and security returns to Eziawa and other communities in Orsu Local Governmentt Area of Imo State.

He confirmed that a security base has already been established at Akpanya, a strategic location within Eziawa, as part of the broader community security framework.

“In view of the expected Mass Return of Eziawa sons and daughters in January 2026, the committee has met with the Eziawa Emergency Group to commence fundraising for enhanced security architecture, but the money we realized from the Eziawa Emergency group meeting was a far cry from what is needed…” Agbordike explained.

He disclosed that the project, which includes the establishment of additional three security bases and provision of logistics for personnel, would cost an estimated ₦70 million.

“For our people to come home for the mass return and sleep in their homes with eyes closed, we are encouraging every kindred to raise N3 million each to support this cause. Peace and safety in our homeland depend on our collective effort,” he added.

The announcement generated mixed reactions among participants. While many applauded the initiative as a bold and sacrificial step toward reclaiming Eziawa’s dignity and ensuring safety for returning families, others voiced concerns about the financial burden on already struggling villagers.

“Taxing the poor will only deepen their suffering,” one youth participant, Ugoh, Oluaoka, said during the session.

“Security is the constitutional duty of the government, not the people. The Federal and Imo State governments must take full responsibility for securing Eziawa.”

Despite the debate, the consensus among Eziawa youths remains clear — a determination to return home and rebuild what years of insecurity destroyed. As the January 2026 target draws nearer, the people of Eziawa are uniting under one goal: to restore peace, dignity, and development in their once-thriving homeland.