In a shocking turn of events, a group of ruthless gunmen launched a deadly assault in Oriagu, within the Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The incident, which unfolded on a fateful Tuesday morning, witnessed the cold-blooded murder of several security operatives and the deliberate ignition of numerous vehicles.
The victims of this heinous attack were brave security personnel who were diligently patrolling along the Aba-branch Oriagu road in Ehime-Mbano. It was during this mission that the gunmen ambushed them with deadly precision, resulting in the tragic loss of more than six joint task force officers.
A chilling video that swiftly went viral captured the chaotic aftermath of the ambush. In the footage, an eyewitness described the grim scene, recounting the unsuspecting security operatives passing by in Toyota Hilux vehicles as they journeyed from Oriagu market to Aba-branch. Little did they know that danger lurked nearby.
“I spotted two Hilux patrol vehicles pass my shop, and I never knew they were being traced by bandits,” the eyewitness lamented. “Just a few minutes later, I started hearing that those officers had been shot dead at Aba-branch.”
The situation took a turn for the worse as the attackers callously set fire to the two Hilux vehicles, leaving the officers inside burnt beyond recognition. The incident triggered panic and chaos among the local inhabitants, prompting many to flee their homes in fear of the unknown.
As the gravity of the situation became evident, the police and army swiftly cordoned off the affected areas. Oriagu and Isinweke found themselves engulfed in turmoil, and the community’s residents remained in a state of shock and distress.
At the time of this report, efforts to obtain an official statement from Henry Okoye, the spokesperson of the Imo police command, remained unanswered. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the pressing need for heightened security measures in the region and the urgency of addressing the growing security challenges faced by communities in Imo state.