IPOB: Community declares man wanted over oil bunkering incident

Local authorities in the Amakpu Izombe community of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, have declared Kwakaam Chidi Obed wanted in connection with alleged illegal oil bunkering activities.

The incident occurred on October 8, 2021, when a group of young people, reportedly posing as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was spotted loading petroleum into a convoy of trucks. Obed is believed to have led the operation, which took place in the Amakpu neighbourhood.

Military personnel, alerted to the activity, attempted to intervene, but the group reportedly resisted arrest and refused to surrender the trucks.

In the ensuing clash, local farms were set on fire, military vehicles were damaged, and several military personnel sustained injuries.

Although some individuals were detained, authorities report that the ringleaders, including Obed, managed to evade arrest.

Following a formal complaint from the community, a trial has been launched against the main suspects. However, sources indicate that Obed may have fled to Cotonou, Benin.

Community leaders are now calling for anyone with information on Kwakaam Chidi Obed’s whereabouts to report to the authorities.

Head of the Community Elders in Amakpu Izombe, Timothy Nduka, announced the manhunt as efforts intensified to bring those responsible to justice.