Tension grips Imo as gunmen attack Okigwe, Onuimo, set trucks ablaze

Residents of Imo State are living in fear following a brazen daylight attack by unknown gunmen in the Okigwe and Onuimo Local Government Areas.

The attackers reportedly set multiple trucks ablaze, prompting panic and mass flight among locals.

Shocking video footage from the scene shows burning vehicles, thick plumes of smoke, and distressed citizens fleeing the area. The incident has amplified growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region.

“Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs are burning while our governor is busy enjoying his brand-new private jet,” one resident said in anger, choosing to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “Lives and properties of Imolites are being destroyed, and nothing is being done.”

The resident called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to take decisive action or allow local governments to manage their own security by giving them full financial autonomy.

“Dear Governor, as you’ve shown you’re incapable of handling the security crisis, kindly release full allocations to these LGAs to tackle their own issues or resign,” the source added. “Don’t you have human sympathy?”

As violence continues to ripple across communities, Imolites are demanding not only protection but also leadership that listens, acts, and empathizes with the suffering of its people.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma, please, where is your conscience? Are you not seeing or hearing the cry of the people you govern? What are the sins of the people against you that you’ve sworn to mercilessly deal with Imolites?” the individual asked.“People are being killed and properties are being destroyed daily, while you and your family are enjoying the state’s funds. If Imolites are completely destroyed and wiped out, who will you govern?”

Efforts to get an official response from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, went unanswered, and messages sent to his phone were not returned.

The motives behind the attacks remain unknown, and no group has taken responsibility so far. Meanwhile, the affected communities remain tense, with many locals reportedly fleeing to safer areas.