Police Blame IPOB/ESN As Gunmen Kill Many
Not less than seven people have been confirmed dead and several others critically injured following a deadly attack by gunmen on communities in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State in the early hours of Friday.
The incident occurred in Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno, all within Arondizuogu, sparking widespread panic among residents.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said in a statement that the assailants were suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“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 in the early hours of today, 25th July 2025, at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno, all in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA,” Okoye stated.
He described the assault as “senseless” and noted that it resulted in the deaths of more than seven individuals and left “several others critically injured.”
According to the police spokesperson, CP Danjuma labelled the act as barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable.
“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,” Okoye stated.
In response to the incident, the police said tactical units have been deployed to the affected areas to track down the perpetrators.
“He assured the public that the Command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to identify, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
He added that the police commissioner personally led the tactical unit in an intensive combing operation and has assured residents that the situation is now under control.
The police also extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“While expressing heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, CP Aboki Danjuma prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured,” Okoye added.
He encouraged the grieving families to remain strong during this difficult time.
The Command urged residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative.
He stated, “The Imo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
“Anyone with useful information that can assist ongoing investigations is encouraged to contact the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
Meanwhile, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack as of the time of this report’s filing.
