Sporadic Shootings Rock Owerri in Fresh Attack by Unknown Gunmen

Gunfire erupted close to noon on Wednesday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, as gunmen launched a fresh attack, causing widespread panic and forcing residents to flee for safety.

The gunshots were reported across several key areas of the city, including Wetheral, Douglas, MCC, Okigwe, Aba roads, Ikenegbu, and Aladinma. The chaos prompted many businesses to shut down temporarily as the violence persisted for about 20 minutes.

While it remains unclear if there were any casualties, the Imo State Police have vowed to apprehend those responsible for the attack. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, a shoot-out occurred between security forces and the attackers, who are suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN.

“Our men engaged in a shoot-out with the hoodlums. Intensive operations are ongoing to restore normalcy,” said Okoye. “The Commissioner of Police is personally leading the operation, and we have deployed our men massively in coordination with other security agencies.”

Okoye assured the public that the perpetrators of the violence would be apprehended. “We are determined to bring these hoodlums to justice, whether dead or alive,” he stated.

This attack comes less than 48 hours after a previous incident in the state, where attackers killed five policemen and at least three civilians, and set vehicles ablaze.