by Deborah Nnamdi
Residents of Umudibia in Umualuaku, located in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire in the early hours of Wednesday as unidentified gunmen launched a coordinated assault on the community.
According to local sources, the gunshots began around 5:30 a.m., sparking widespread fear and confusion among residents. Audio clips shared by witnesses captured the sound of intense gunfire and desperate cries for help in the background.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, stated that security forces have been mobilized in response. He noted that tactical units from the police, in collaboration with the military and the Department of State Services (DSS), have been deployed to restore order and apprehend the assailants.
While condemning the attack, Okoye disclosed that the perpetrators are suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“We are fully aware of the situation,” he said.
“The Command, in synergy with the military and DSS, has taken proactive steps to contain the security threat. units have been deployed to apprehend the suspected IPOB/ESN operatives responsible for these senseless attacks meant to instill fear in the public.”
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
