Gunmen Kill Over Seven in Imo Communities, Police Blame IPOB/ESN

At least seven people were killed and several others critically injured in a deadly attack by gunmen on Friday morning in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. The coordinated assault targeted the communities of Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno in Arondizuogu, triggering widespread panic among residents.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack and blamed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemned the killings, describing the act as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”

Okoye said the Commissioner led a tactical police unit to the affected areas as part of an intensive operation to track down the perpetrators. He assured the public that the situation is now under control and that the Command has deployed both operational and intelligence assets to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The Police extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed hopes for a speedy recovery of the injured. Residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant, with authorities calling on anyone with relevant information to come forward. As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.