Several villagers have been killed in coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen on three communities in Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The overnight assault, which targeted Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno villages, has left the state and country reeling in shock.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the attacks occurred between Thursday night and early Friday morning. While police sources confirmed at least seven fatalities, local eyewitnesses allege that over 14 people were killed in the brutal assault.
One eyewitness, who declined to be named for security reasons, told NAN that the attackers arrived on motorcycles in the dead of night and began shooting indiscriminately at villagers.
“It was a horrifying sight. They just opened fire without warning. People were running and screaming. I counted more than 14 dead across different locations,” the source recounted.
Disturbing videos of the aftermath quickly spread on social media, showing lifeless bodies of victims in pools of blood. The footage sparked public outrage, with citizens calling for urgent government action and improved security in the southeast region.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attacks in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye. He described the attacks as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”
According to Okoye, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has mobilized tactical units and deployed both intelligence and operational assets to the affected communities.
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The commissioner, he said, is personally leading efforts to restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemned the gruesome attack carried out by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN,” Okoye stated. “The senseless assault claimed the lives of over seven people and left several others critically injured.”
He added that the security situation is now under control and that proactive measures are being taken to prevent further attacks in the region. Patrols and search operations have intensified in the affected villages, with a view to apprehending those responsible.
Okoye extended the police command’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement.
“Anyone with useful information that can assist ongoing investigations is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or reach out through the command’s emergency lines: 08034773600 or 08103341610. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” he said.
