Gunmen, yesterday, invaded three communities, Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta and Ndiejezie in Arondizogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, killing at least seven persons.
It was gathered that the gunmen on a motorbike shot locals in Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta and Ndiejezie villages, leaving several people dead and several others critically injured.
The victims were said to be shop owners, their customers and passersby.
It was gathered that the victims were hanging out at drinking bars and others playing a draft game when gunmen on a motorbike sped past, shooting sporadically at anyone.
The source said, “The people who died were in different bars drinking or were the people selling and attending to their customers. I heard they also shot at people who were playing a draft game to while away time. As I speak to you, about 12 people are lying dead and many are critically injured due to running to seek safety.”
Confirming the incident in a statement yesterday, spokesman of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said seven people were killed and several injured.
Okoye maintained that normalcy had returned to the villages, as security operatives have been deployed to launch an intense search for the killers.
He identified the gunmen as members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN.
“The Commissioner of Police, 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, July 25 at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma and Ndiakuwata Uno, all in Arondizuogu.
“The senseless assault, which claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured, was described by the commissioner as barbaric, inhumane and totally unacceptable. He assured the public that the command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Consequently, the commissioner has led tactical units for intense combing of the affected areas and affirmed that the situation is now under control. Proactive security measures have been taken to forestall further attacks and restore lasting peace in the area.
“While expressing heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, Danjuma prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved and encouraged them to remain strong during this difficult time,” the statement read.
