Gunmen Attack Imo Community, Residents Trapped as Gunfire Rages for Hours

Gunmen Attack Imo Community, Residents Trapped as Gunfire Rages for Hours

Panic swept through Umualuaku community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday morning as gunmen launched a coordinated assault that lasted for several terrifying hours, leaving residents trapped indoors under a relentless barrage of gunfire.

The attack began at approximately 5:30 AM, when the gunmen stormed the quiet community and opened fire indiscriminately, sending residents scrambling for safety. What was meant to be the start of an ordinary day quickly turned into a scene of chaos and fear, as continuous gunshots rang through the air with no immediate intervention in sight.

“We’ve been locked inside our homes since they started shooting. The sound of bullets is everywhere. We’re too afraid to move,” a frightened resident told SK Blog by phone, speaking from hiding. “Please, we need help. We don’t know what they want or how long this will last.”

Another eyewitness described the scene as “a total siege,” adding that the gunmen appeared to have taken control of the area. “Umudibia, Umualuaku is under serious attack. The entire community has been surrounded. No one can leave their houses. People are praying for their lives,” he said.

As of late Wednesday morning, around 10:50 AM, the sound of sporadic gunfire still echoed across the area. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the full impact of the attack remained unclear as fear gripped the community and communication lines were strained.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, who stated that the Command had launched a swift response in collaboration with the military and the Department of State Services (DSS). “We are fully aware of the situation. Tactical teams have been deployed to contain the threat and restore calm in the area,” he assured.

ASP Okoye further stated that the gunmen were suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). “These are suspected IPOB/ESN operatives behind this senseless and cowardly attack. Their aim is to terrorize innocent people, but we will not allow that to happen,” he said.

This latest incident adds to the growing wave of insecurity plaguing parts of Imo State, where violent attacks by armed groups have become increasingly frequent. Communities like Umualuaku are now living under the constant threat of violence, with many calling on the government to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace and protect civilians from further harm.