Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, infamously known as “Gentle de Yahoo,” a notorious political assassin and alleged leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) along with its militant faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was apprehended by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday. Following his arrest, he accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma of being a key financier of the insecurity plaguing both Imo State and the broader South-East region.
Gentle de Yahoo, a feared terrorist responsible for years of violence across Okigwe and surrounding communities, was captured during a meticulously planned intelligence-led operation conducted by the 34 Artillery Brigade at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, located within Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to military officials, the arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies and law enforcement bodies.
“The operation led to the seizure of numerous weapons and materials associated with the group’s violent undertakings,” a military source revealed.
Items recovered included a British-made pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a cartridge, six mobile phones, uniforms resembling those of the military and police, and a German flag reportedly used as an emblem by the terrorist faction.
Furthermore, the troops uncovered a clandestine workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale, effectively disrupting a significant criminal network in the area. Ten motorcycles found at the site were destroyed to prevent their future use in illicit activities.
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In a video circulating on social media, Gentle de Yahoo implicated Governor Uzodinma in the region’s insecurity, claiming the governor held multiple meetings with him, other militant leaders, and an unidentified individual he referred to as “his master.”
In the footage, the insurgent declares:
“If Governor Hope Uzodinma denies meeting with me, Gentle, my master, and the other commanders, then he must be held accountable.”
“I stand here to expose the true nature of Hope Uzodinma to the world and our people.”
“I firmly assert that if Governor Uzodinma did not meet with me, my master, and the other commanders, then I should not be alive.”
