Seven Killed, Many Injured As Suspected IPOB Members Attack Imo Community

Imo State Police Command has confirmed that seven people were killed and several others injured following an attack by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Ideato North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, July 25, in the communities of Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakunwanta in Arondizuogu.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who were on motorbikes, stormed the villages and opened fire on locals without warning.

According to residents, most of the victims were shop owners, their customers, and people simply passing by.

One witness, who craved anonymity, said the gunmen shot randomly at people relaxing in bars and even those playing board games.

The source said, “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.”

In a statement released on Friday, the police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, confirmed that seven people were killed and several others were injured in the attack.

He added that normalcy has since returned to the area, with security operatives now on the ground and tactical teams actively searching for the suspects.

Okoye blamed the attack on gunmen believed to be members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, 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.

“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.

“Consequently, the CP has led tactical units for intense combing of the affected areas and affirmed that the situation is now under control, and proactive security measures have been taken to forestall further attacks and restore lasting peace in the region.

“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.

“He also extended his condolences to the bereaved and encouraged them to remain strong during this difficult time,” the statement read.

KanyiDaily also reported that at least 14 villagers and one mobile police officer were killed on Thursday in two separate attacks by armed men in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.