Gunmen burn oil firm equipment in Imo, community vows to hunt suspects

2026-03-02 - 13:56

By Chidi Nkwopara OWERRI — Armed men have set ablaze heavy equipment belonging to an oil company operating in Asaa community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, in an attack that has heightened tensions and raised fresh concerns over security in the oil-producing area. Community sources said the assailants struck the company’s facility before fleeing, leaving behind extensive damage to equipment critical to operations. Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the traditional ruler of Asaa, Eze Emma Asor, condemned the attack and declared that the community had launched efforts to track down those responsible. “The suspects are now on the run, but we are resolutely on their trail. If what they did was right, why are they running?” the monarch said. The royal father suggested that the attackers claimed they were being excluded from benefits tied to oil operations in the area, an assertion he dismissed. According to him, the individuals involved were not qualified professionals and had chosen to operate from forest hideouts alongside suspected hoodlums from neighbouring communities. He lamented the destruction of public utilities and private property in the area, recalling that his residence was previously vandalised, with fittings and a transformer carted away, forcing him to relocate to Owerri. Eze Asor disclosed that about four to five months ago, he engaged the Imo State Government and security agencies, who agreed to grant amnesty to the youths involved in criminal activities, but the initiative did not yield results. “Events have shown they are bent on continuing their criminal activities. However, we are containing it. We will not allow them to keep walking freely,” he said. Sources also alleged that after destroying equipment belonging to Sterling Global, the gunmen reportedly stormed the community in search of local leaders, accusing them of blocking their access to benefits from oil companies operating in the area. Residents have called on security agencies to urgently intervene to restore order and safeguard economic activities, warning that continued attacks could undermine investor confidence and threaten livelihoods in the oil-rich region.