Arsonists set fire on senator’s House, NOUN study Centre over allegations of resettling Northern IDPs in Imo
The country home of the former senator that represented Oliver North, Frank Ibezim, in Nsu in Ehime Mbano local government area of Imo state has been set ablaze following reports that he had given his facility to the federal government to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the North.
A report aired by TVC had shown Ibezim and the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons inspecting the facility being used as a study centre for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), but allegedly being contemplated for use by the commission and the United Natiins to resettle displaced persons and for skill acquisition.
The video, which went viral had attracted widespread along among the communities and all over Igbo land.
It was gathered angry youths had gathered it the house on Monday night and set it able, including the study centre.
The incident came few hours after the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Igboayaka O Igboayaka, had interviewed Ibezim where he vehemently denied that tie facility was to be used as a resettlement centre for IDPs from the North.
In his statement entitled “Misinformation on IDP Camp at Federal Open University Nsu Center Ehime Mbano: .Setting the Record Straight on Senator Frank Ibezim’s Sincere Commitment to Ndigbo.”
Igboayaka had said, “Following the viral TVC broadcast regarding the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Open University Nsu Center, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the premier socio-cultural youth organization of Ndigbo, initiated a comprehensive inquiry and investigation into the visit of the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, accompanied by former distinguished Senator of Imo North, Sen. Frank Ibezim, to the National Open University, Nsu Center in Ehime Mbano, aimed at evaluating the facilities for the commencement of skill acquisition training for internally displaced persons in the South-East.As part of its ongoing inquiry and investigation, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) established communication with Senator Frank Ibezim, who spearheaded the federal government’s team at the National Open University’s Nsu Center Study Center.
“During an extensive discussion exceeding one hour, Senator Frank Ibezim clarified that the imagery utilized by TVC regarding their visit was misinterpreted by well-intentioned and concerned Igbo individuals.Senator Frank Ibezim pointed out that the initiative is tailored for Igbo youths in the Southeast region who are in need of constructive activities and are particularly susceptible to addiction, especially regarding the consumption of harmful substances roaming in village without basic means of livelihood to embrace further skill in agricultural training. Nigeria’s food scarcity and high agricultural product costs will be mitigated by youths trained at Open University Nsu Center’s special skills program, ending Alaigbo’s prolonged reliance on Northern Nigeria’s agricultural supplies.
“Evidently, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has previously requested the establishment of a rehabilitation center for Igbo youths struggling with drug abuse in various villages, providing comprehensive rehabilitation and training in diverse skills.The visit of the Federal Commissioner of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to Open University Nsu Center, as revealed by Senator Frank Ibezim’s statement, demonstrates a genuine commitment to empowering Ndigbo, especially Igbo youth, through skill training provided by the agency.Similar to the advocacy for the SouthEast Development Commission following the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission and Northeast Development Commission, the Open University Nsu Center, the Federal Commissioner of Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons aims to utilize the facilities as proposed by Sen. Frank Ibezim, arguing that idle youths in the SouthEast can benefit from the agency’s programs through training and rehabilitation of Igbo youths engaged in drug abuse.”
