Last Monday which has become a routine sit at home day in most parts of Orlu zone, some security men believed to be operatives of Ebubeagu stormed Amaebu Timber market in Orsu local government area and set it ablaze, thereby destroying property worth over N100million.It was also said that over five people were killed as a result of the attack.
It was gathered that aside traders in the timber market others whose shops are in the vicinity also lost their wares and other property to the inferno that engulfed the environment.
Some of the victims who spoke to our reporter lamented that the most surprising aspect of the ugly episode was that some of their properties that were not burnt also disappeared after the fire as they could neither find nor trace their whereabout later.
They pleaded with the governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma to come to their rescue pointing out that every Monday has become a nightmare as hell is virtually let loose on the inhabitants of the area as they no longer know who to trust, fear or run to.
They regretted that while they are being hunted by members of the Eastern Security network (ESN) for opening shops on monday, the operatives of Ebubeagu said to be a security outfit established by the state government to protect them is also after them. “We have become utterly devasted, confused and stranded as people between the devil and the blue deep sea. Having lost our wares and means of livelihood, what else are we expected to do?.”
An eyewitness told our reporter who visited the scene that over ten vehicles were burnt in addition to the cash some of the traders left in their shops not knowing that such tragedy will befall them.
This development is said to have worsened the plight of the traders, their relatives and dependents who don’t know what else to do, as all hope seems to have been lost.
They pleaded with the governor to assist them financially and also called on the operatives of Ebubeagu to desist from unleashing mayhem on innocent people and respect their rule of engagement.
Our reporter who visited the scene said she saw several burnt shops and vehicles. She also said that the whole place is deserted as the people have fled as a result of fear.
