BY FRANCIS ODUPUTE
Displaced youths and survivors of Eziawa community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State have launched a coordinated 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.
Since 2021, dozens of communities in Orsu, including Eziawa, have suffered devastating attacks, forcing hundreds of families to flee to cities and other states across Nigeria.
However, the tide appears to be turning, as Eziawa’s sons and daughters, many now living in diaspora communities within and outside Nigeria have begun organizing through virtual platforms to fund and coordinate local security interventions ahead of a planned “Mass Return” in January 2026.
During a recent interactive virtual session, The New Face of Eziawa Clan Youths, Chairman of the Eziawa Security Committee, Mr. Obinna Agbordika said that the security committee has been liaising with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies in Imo State to ensure stability returns to Eziawa and surrounding communities.
He confirmed that a security base has been established at Akpanya, a strategic location within Eziawa, as part of a broader community security framework.
“In view of the expected mass return of Eziawa sons and daughters in January 2026, the committee met with the Eziawa Emergency Group to commence fundraising for enhanced security architecture. But the money realized so far was a far cry from what is needed,” Agbordike explained.
He disclosed that the project, which includes setting up three additional security bases and providing logistics support, would require tens of millions of naira.
“For our people to return successfully and sleep in their homes with eyes closed, we are encouraging every kindred to raise at least ₦3 million each to support this cause. Peace and safety in our homeland depend on our collective effort,” he added.
“The proposal drew mixed reactions from participants. While many commended the initiative as a bold and selfless move to reclaim Eziawa’s dignity and ensure safety for returning families, others expressed concern about the financial burden on already struggling households.
“Taxing the poor will only deepen their suffering,” one youth, Ugoh Oluaoka, said during the session.
He argued that security is the constitutional duty of the government and called on the Federal and Imo State governments to take full responsibility for protecting Eziawa.
