Gunmen Kill 8 in Imo Community, Set Houses Ablaze
At least eight people were killed on Saturday, May 30, when unidentified gunmen stormed the Abacheke community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo state. The attackers emerged from surrounding bushes and targeted a security checkpoint, opening fire and causing multiple fatalities, including a security operative. They also set about six houses on fire, throwing the community into panic and fear.
A source told Vanguard on Sunday, May 31, that the attack was like a war, with sustained shooting and arson. The source said: “They killed about eight people, including a security operative. The attack was targeted at a checkpoint. It was like a war. They shot for some time and set about six houses ablaze.” The source added that there is serious tension and fear in the community, with some residents fleeing for fear of another attack.
Motive Unclear, Police Yet to Comment
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. It is not known whether the assault was linked to the sit-at-home order declared by pro-Biafra groups to mark Biafra Day or if it was a separate operation. The Imo state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Nigeria is facing multiple security challenges, including a 17-year-long armed rebellion in the northeast, kidnappings for ransom and banditry in the northwest, herder-farmer violence in northern and central states, and separatist agitations in the southeast. President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism over his administration’s handling of rising insecurity.
Previous Attacks in Plateau State
In a similar incident, no fewer than 13 persons, including three pregnant women, were killed in an attack in Ngbra Zongo in the Kwall District of Bassa LGA of Plateau state. Residents said the attackers invaded the community around midnight, opening fire on homes and forcing many villagers to flee into surrounding bushes.
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Imo police were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
