Gunmen attack Imo communities, kill 7 youths, injure scores
The affected communities—Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno—were left in shock, with disturbing viral videos showing charred bodies lying on the floors of affected homes, as terrified residents mourned the victims.
As of press time, the attackers had not been apprehended, but the police have blamed the attack on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, described the attack as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, the CP condemned the assault and assured the public that tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to apprehend those behind the violence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack carried out by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN in the early hours of today, 25th July 2025,” the statement read.
“The senseless assault claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured. The CP assured the public that the Command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Danjuma reportedly led a tactical unit on an operation to comb the affected areas, affirming that the situation had been brought under control and that proactive measures had been taken to prevent further attacks.
The CP also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured. He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
The command called on residents with useful information to aid the ongoing investigation to apprehend the attackers.