Hoodlums Set Ablaze Frank Ibezim’s Residence, University Center in Imo

The residence of former federal lawmaker Frank Ibezim, from Imo State in Nigeria’s South-East, was attacked by hoodlums.

Reports indicate the attack occurred on Monday night in Nsu, a community in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

Ibezim, who represented the Imo North District under the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2021 to 2023, was not home when the attack happened. The house reportedly caught fire around 9 p.m., according to local sources.

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According to Premium Times, a video recording depicting the devastation incident was shared online.

The attackers also targeted a study center of the National Open University in the Nsu community the following night, setting it ablaze. Another video shows the university complex engulfed in flames.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the incidents. In a statement on Tuesday, spokesperson Henry Okoye said Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma condemned the attacks, calling them “senseless and unwarranted.”

“These acts of violence undermine the safety and security of our communities,” Danjuma said, adding that the police, in coordination with other security agencies, would take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice. A tactical police unit has been deployed, and a thorough investigation has been ordered.

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These attacks come after accusations against Ibezim regarding his alleged role in establishing an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the National Open University premises in Nsu, housing people displaced from northern Nigeria.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafra groups criticized this alleged initiative, accusing the government of attempting to “infiltrate” the South-East region.

In response, Ibezim refuted the allegations, clarifying that the university had been operational since October 2023 and that his involvement was only related to evaluating the center for potential skills acquisition programs.

“There are no plans to settle IDPs, refugees, or migrants at the National Open University Centre in Nsu. Such claims are entirely false,” Ibezim stated, emphasizing that the center was intended for skills training for vulnerable youth from the South-East.

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