Tension as gunmen murder 7 in Imo communities

Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday as gunmen launched coordinated attacks across three communities in Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving at least seven people dead and several others with gunshot injuries.

The attackers, reportedly riding on motorcycles, stormed Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta, and Ndiejezie communities, opening fire indiscriminately on residents. Victims included shop owners, customers, and unsuspecting passersby caught in the deadly ambush.

According to local reports, the assault caused widespread panic and chaos, forcing many residents to flee their homes. The Imo State Police Command has linked the violence to suspected members of a proscribed separatist group and its armed wing, noting that investigations are ongoing.

A community source, who asked not to be named, described the scene: “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.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that seven persons were confirmed dead while many others sustained injuries. He added that security personnel had been deployed to restore calm.

He said the attack occurred on  Friday, July 25, 2025, at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno in Arondizuogu.

“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… at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno, all in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA,” the statement read.

“The senseless assault, which claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured, was described by the CP 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.”

According to the statement, the Commissioner personally led tactical units into the affected communities and confirmed that the situation had been brought under control.