Imo’s Justice Commissioner Suffers Another Violent Attack

The Story
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-general of Imo state, Cyprian Akaolisa, has suffered another attack as gunmen razed his home and that of his father in Obibi, Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of the state.

Has he been attacked before?
Yes, last year. In the 2021 attack, the gunmen had burnt a part of the commissioner’s house. Confirming the attack on Sunday, the commissioner said both houses were completely razed by the arsonists on Saturday. “What are my crimes, who did I offend? And what were my father’s offences?”, he lamented.

Is this a politically motivated attack?
The reason for the attack has not been established, though the commissioner suggested that those behind it hide under the guise of fighting for freedom to commit crime. “Firstly, last year, these arsonists burnt my country home in Obibi, Awo-Idemili, Orsu LGA of Imo State for no just cause. This year again, they returned and this time, they perfected the complete burning of even the blocks/bricks”, Akaolisa said.

Does he know those behind the attacks?
In his statement, the commissioner said, “Today, these gunmen (Codenamed Ụmụ Ọma, under the guise of freedom fighters) have continued to demand huge sums of money from mourning families who wish to bury their loved ones and the likes. It is now strictly business!”. He urged the perpetrators to desist and reflect on the negative effects of the attacks on the local government area.