By Sophia Afolabi
Another tragedy has struck Imo State as gunmen launched a deadly attack on Ajanaumuna village in Ezinachi Community, Okigwe Local Government Area, killing a vigilante operative and four other residents late Friday night.
This latest assault adds to the rising insecurity in Nigeria’s South-east, particularly in Imo State, where violent incidents have become increasingly frequent. Police spokesperson in Imo, Deputy Superintendent Henry Okoye, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.
According to Mr Okoye, the attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. and was allegedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The incident came just 48 hours after a similar attack in Amakohia-Ubi, Owerri West Local Government Area, where a vigilante leader and another operative were killed by individuals suspected to be herders.
Providing details on the latest attack, Mr Okoye said Emeka Ezeagwula, a member of a local youth vigilante group, was shot dead alongside four residents of the community.
The police identified the victims as Emeka Ezeagwula, Chidi Chileke, Ejike Nwankwo— all male— and Chikodi Ezeagwula, the only female among them.
“The assailants further set ablaze the residence of the youth security leader and destroyed five motorcycles,” Mr Okoye said, adding that the police responded swiftly upon receiving a distress call and evacuated the victims to Okigwe General Hospital.
“Their remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while one survivor is currently receiving medical treatment,” he added.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack in strong terms and vowed that the perpetrators would face justice. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the souls of the deceased, and wished the injured a full recovery.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain calm and assured them that security had been intensified in Okigwe and neighboring communities.
He further appealed to the public to support security efforts by providing “credible and timely information” that could aid ongoing investigations and prevent future attacks.
Imo State, like many parts of the South-east, has witnessed a sharp escalation in violent attacks in recent years. Okigwe in particular has become a hotspot for such incidents, with security forces, government personnel, and civilians frequently targeted.
Hundreds have been killed or abducted across the region, while many others have sustained life-altering injuries. Government infrastructure and personnel remain key targets in the escalating crisis.
While the federal government has consistently blamed IPOB for orchestrating the violence, the separatist group continues to deny involvement.
IPOB is campaigning for the secession of the South-east and parts of the South-south from Nigeria to form an independent state of Biafra—a demand that has fueled deep political tensions and recurrent security breaches in the region.
