Six persons killed as ‘IPOB members’ attack Imo community

At least six people have been killed in an attack by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo.

TheCable understands that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at Ama Hausa in Garki, Okigwe LGA of the state.

A witness said the gunmen attacked the area at about 12am and operated until about 9am when troops of the Nigerian Army repelled them.

“As of the early hours of today, around 12am, we heard persistent gunshots from around the Garki area; it lasted for about an hour,” the resident who asked not to be named for his security told TheCable.

“Some gunshots were heard again at about 9am, everyone started running. There are reports that all these things were happening at Garki.

“They said unknown gunmen came to set the Ama Hausa area ablaze and started shooting at people. I think about seven people who died. Everyone has been taking cover in Okigwe since the incident happened.

“The army attacked their camp in the early hours of Saturday. So, I guess they targeted the Ama Hausa as a form of retaliation or something.”

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in the state, said the incident was “an unfortunate one”.

Okoye said the command is carrying out an “intense operation” to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

The police spokesperson commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged residents to report any information that could help the investigation.

“It’s a very unfortunate incident; it’s true, and we are on top of things. Upon receipt of the information, the commissioner of police quickly deployed the command’s operational squad to Okigwe,” Okoye said.

“We are currently carrying out an intense operation with the military and the local vigilantes to make sure we fish out the perpetrators of this evil act and make them face the full wrath of the law.

“We had six casualties; their corpses have been evacuated.

“They were suspected of being IPOB or ESN, and we call on the general public if they have any information to assist us in the investigation and report to the nearest police station.

“The commissioner of police is saddened over the incident; he is praying for the souls of the innocent citizens who lost their lives in the hands of disgruntled elements.”