Gunmen Kill Motorist, Abduct Travellers as Violence Escalates in Imo State

Gunmen struck again in Imo State on Sunday, killing the driver of a Toyota Highlander and abducting travellers in a separate vehicle along the Amala axis of Ngor-Okpala. The attack adds to growing unease across the South-east despite recent security measures introduced by neighbouring state governments.

Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye said the attackers emerged from a nearby bush around 5:50 p.m., opened fire on the Highlander and then seized all occupants of a Lexus SUV travelling on the same route. Officers from Ngor-Okpala Division responded swiftly, secured the scene and moved the injured driver to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Authorities have not disclosed how many victims were taken during the ambush. Okoye said the state’s police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a full-scale manhunt, with police, other security agencies and local vigilantes combing forests around Amala and neighbouring communities in a search-and-rescue operation. Residents were urged to remain calm and share useful information with security operatives.

The incident occurred just days after Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma launched a joint security taskforce to counter recurring attacks along the Aba–Owerri corridor. According to Otti’s media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the taskforce was formed during an emergency meeting in Owerri, with a mandate to conduct surveillance from Owerrinta in Abia to Owerri in Imo and surrounding areas. It includes personnel from the military, police, intelligence services and other agencies.

The collaborative move followed an earlier assault in Owerri, where three officials attached to Otti were attacked by gunmen. Such incidents have intensified concerns over the rising wave of violence in the South-east, where security operatives, public officials and infrastructure are frequently targeted. Cult groups, kidnappers, armed robbers and separatist elements have all been linked to the worsening situation.

While federal authorities have blamed the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra for many of the assaults, the group continues to deny involvement. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was recently convicted of terrorism and handed a life sentence by a Federal High Court in Abuja, further heightening tensions across the region.