Gunmen have killed at least 15 people and razed several vehicles in Okigwe LGA of Imo state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the gunmen on Thursday afternoon barricaded Okwelle axis of Okigwe road and opening fire on commuters and setting multiple vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, ablaze.
Videos circulating on social media show trucks in flames along the road.
In a statement on Saturday, Henry Okoye, Imo police spokesperson, said the gunmen opened fire on police officers who were mobilised to the scene.
Okoye alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Okoye said suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are responsible for the attack, adding that one of the gunmen was killed by the police.
The statement reads, “Following the violent attack on commuters in Onuimo and parts of Okigwe by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN in the early hours of 8th May 2024, operatives of the Imo State Police Command, in synergy with other security agencies, launched an intelligence-led operation in Abor-Umulolo, Okigwe LGA of Imo State.”
“The hoodlums on sighting the operatives, opened fire but were overwhelmed by the superior fire power of the operative. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums was neutralized, while others fled with varying degrees of bullet wounds.”
“A snatched Toyota Corolla with registration number ENU 283 CN and an HP laptop were recovered from the scene. The body of the neutralized suspect has been deposited at the morgue, while the recovered items are in police custody for further investigation.”
“Meanwhile, an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.”
