On Wednesday, gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the fictional Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and led by Finland-based Nigerian terrorist Simon Ekpa, alongside his militant group known as BRGIE, orchestrated a series of coordinated attacks across Imo State’s capital, Owerri.
The violence erupted in various parts of the city, including Ikenegbu, the back gate of Imo State University (IMSU), Wetheral Road, Amawusa, and the Toronto axis. Residents were thrown into a state of panic as sporadic gunfire rang out, leading to widespread fear and confusion.
Henry Okoye, Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, detailed the situation in a statement released on Wednesday. According to Okoye, the attackers utilized a ‘guerrilla-style strategy,’ emerging from their hideouts to launch surprise assaults before retreating to safety.
In response to the escalating violence, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has spearheaded an aggressive operation to confront the assailants. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
The statement from the police command read, “The Commissioner of Police has personally led officers to the affected areas. The Command is actively managing the situation and is committed to apprehending the perpetrators, whether dead or alive.”
It continued, “We will address the miscreants responsible for these senseless attacks and the killing of security personnel and innocent civilians with utmost severity. Our goal is to ensure that they are deterred from further acts of violence.”
The statement further urged Imolites to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the police. “This is indeed a challenging time, but together we will overcome this crisis. Imo State must return to peace.”
Describing the attackers as “pure cowards,” Okoye emphasized that the BRGIE militants and IPOB/ESN members are employing a guerrilla warfare approach, attacking and quickly vanishing into hiding. However, he assured that security agencies are working diligently to restore order and apprehend those responsible.
“Our forces engaged in a shootout with the hoodlums, who are suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group. Intensive operations are underway to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all residents,” the statement concluded.
