By Douglas Princemola
In a shocking event on the morning of Wednesday, October 16, 2024, armed attackers set fire to the home of High Chief Fidelis Akusinanwa, also known as “Nwatakwochaaka Na Orsu.” This incident occurred in the quiet village of Udah, located in the Orsu-Ihiteukwa area of Orsu Local Government Area in Imo State. The attack resulted in damages estimated at over ₦900 million, leaving the local community in shock.
According to reports from ThePressman Newspaper, the attackers approached Chief Akusinanwa’s two-story house under the cover of darkness. They gained access and set the building ablaze. Witnesses described the attackers as members of a criminal group operating secretly in the Orsu area, specifically targeting the Chief’s home.
High Chief Fidelis Akusinanwa, who is the President General of the Udadimma Welfare Association, expressed his sorrow over the incident. He said, “My home has been completely destroyed by these armed criminals. This is a major setback for me, but I still have faith in God. Sadly, such violence has become common for us in Orsu.”
The Chief called on both the State and Federal Governments to take urgent action to address the rising insecurity in the region. He stated, “These armed groups are making life very difficult for us in Orsu. We need help from the authorities to save us from this nightmare.”
Chief Akusinanwa clarified that he is not involved in politics. “I am a businessman based in Lagos and often travel to Imo State. During the attack, they not only burned my home but also stole my valuable possessions, including my wife’s belongings,” he said.
He also mentioned that important materials for his construction projects were destroyed. “They looted and burned all the supplies I had bought for my new palace, including generator sets and electrical wiring for my near-completed building. The total loss is over ₦900 million,” he lamented.
When asked about the attackers, Chief Akusinanwa referred to them as “unknown gunmen” who have been causing chaos in Orsu. He said, “We are tired of living in fear. The government must act quickly to restore peace in our community.”
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for better security to protect the people of Orsu and prevent future violence. Many locals feel anxious and are considering leaving their homes due to the rising threats. The community’s resilience is being tested as they wait for government action to restore safety and normalcy to their lives.
