The gunmen’s attack on the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at Eze Oke Nsu in the Ehime Mbano Council Area of Imo State has been referred to as “monumental damage” by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing.

This was said by Chairman Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu during an in-the-moment evaluation of the damages, which he and other organisation members presented to media in Owerri.

They saw that the attackers had completely wrecked the CBT centre, numerous computers, over three buses, and various offices during their stay.

“It’s a huge loss,” said Okpalaezeukwu. “There has been extensive damage, including the massive TETFUND-funded buildings that caught fire. The CBT centre and the auditorium are completely destroyed by fire. Moreover, numerous computers have been destroyed.

“As the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, our assessment reveals monumental damage,” he stated, denouncing the attack. It will be extremely challenging to restore what we have discovered here for our community.

The study centre was not meant to be transformed into a facility for internally displaced people (IDPs), as Okpalaezeukwu explained in response to rumours. Among the buildings that were demolished were a sizable auditorium and a learning centre intended for the upbringing of our children and youth, not an IDP camp or a criminal refuge.

He challenged the young people in the neighbourhood to “sheath their swords and give peace a chance,” emphasising the value of cooperation and communication. “We have to tell our leaders and stakeholders that they should make sure the community is included in their work for the people. The misinformation that resulted in this attack may have been prevented if the leaders who attracted this project had communicated appropriately. This is really the result of a breakdown in communication,” he said.