GUNMEN AMBUSH TRAVELLERS, KILL SEVERAL, BURN VEHICLES IN IMO

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Gunmen launched a deadly attack on travelers along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in Imo State on Thursday, killing an unspecified number of people and setting ablaze at least eight vehicles, including a truck. As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remained unclear.

Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, stating that the police—working in conjunction with other security agencies—have begun a manhunt to apprehend those responsible.

“The Imo State Police Command, working in synergy with the Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and other sister security agencies, has launched a coordinated manhunt for criminal elements suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These armed miscreants attacked unsuspecting commuters along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in the early hours of Thursday, 8th May 2025,” he stated.

According to Okoye, the attackers, operating in three separate groups, blocked the highway between Umunna in Onuimo LGA and parts of Okigwe LGA around 5:00 AM. They shot sporadically, creating panic and chaos, before setting vehicles—including trucks and motorcycles—ablaze.

“Tragically, reports of human casualties have also been confirmed as a result of the ambush,” he added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reportedly led a joint tactical team comprising the Police, Army, DSS, and other security agencies to the scene. The team provided immediate support to the victims and launched a comprehensive operation to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects responsible for the attack.

Okoye further stated that a “full-scale search and cordon operation is currently underway, with security operatives combing nearby forests and surrounding areas where the suspects are believed to be hiding.”

He assured the public that the operation would continue until all perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.