Police vow to arrest NOUN building suspected arsonists

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, on Tuesday, vowed to arrest the perpetrators of the senseless and unwarranted arson at the National Open University, Ezeoke Nsu, in Ehime Mbano, as well as the destruction of part of the residence of Senator Frank Ibezim, who represented Okigwe South.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, in a release, said, “This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities. The command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“In response to this attack, the CP promptly deployed the command’s Tactical Unit to identify and apprehend those responsible for this act of arson. Additionally, the commissioner has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident.”

Danjuma has emphasised that no individual involved in this attack would escape the full legal consequences, as the police were committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
He urged the public to refrain from spreading fake news or inciting statements that could destabilise the current peace in the state, warning that anyone found guilty of spreading false information would face strict consequences.

“The police in synergy with other security agencies are dedicated to maintaining peace and order, and we encourage citizens to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to safeguard our communities”.

PUNCH Metro gathered that gunmen struck on Monday night, setting ablaze the building of the National Open University of Nigeria study centre in Nsu in Ehime Mbano. They also set ablaze the country home of Senator Ibezim, who is the immediate past senator for Imo North (Okigwe zone) and hails from Nsu in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Ibezim in a statement said, “I am compelled by our joint sense of purpose and commitment to address some misinformation arising from the TVC news coverage of my recent visit to the National Open University of Nigeria, Nsu Study Centre.
“I was accompanied by the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.”

“First, I must clarify that the video of refugees attached to the TVC broadcast, which has caused understandable anxiety, was not filmed in Imo State. The insinuation that there is an intent to settle IDPs, refugees, or migrant persons at the NOUN Nsu Centre is entirely false.”

He said as a responsible stakeholder, whenever he sees an opportunity for his community, he must act.

“There are mischief-makers who aim to distort my genuine intentions.  So, for clarity, let me set the record straight as follows: NOUN Nsu is a federal, multi-disciplinary educational institution, open to qualified applicants from across Nigeria and beyond, just like all other federal institutions in the country.

“The facilities at the NOUN Nsu are already in use, with over 200 students enrolled since its commencement in October 2023, and further intake is ongoing.

“Our visit was for the two federal agencies to assess these facilities to determine if they could be used for training in specialised skills, following our request to utilise the already built incubation centre.”
He restated that there were no plans to settle IDPs, refugees or migrant persons at the NOUN study centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA and that any such claim is categorically false noting that the plan was for the training for vulnerable young people from the South-East.