Ezeala Ikedinaekpere, Chairman of the Orsu-Ihiteukwa Youth, has alleged that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), committed serious abuses against residents during the insecurity that affected communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Speaking in an interview with News Central TV on Saturday, July 18, 2026, Ikedinaekpere recounted what he described as one of the most disturbing incidents during the crisis.
According to him, a man identified as Stephen was carrying his wife, who was in labour, when they were allegedly stopped by armed men.
“The husband was carrying the woman in labour and they had to stop them. He said his herbalist needed a woman in labour for medicine. He collected that woman in labour from Stephen, the husband, and entered inside the bush,” Ikedinaekpere said.
He alleged that the incident heightened fear among residents, with many avoiding major roads and public places due to security concerns. He added that families lived in constant uncertainty over the safety of their loved ones during the period of unrest.
IPOB has consistently denied involvement in criminal activities attributed to the group by its critics and authorities.
