A devastating ambush on the Okigwe-Owerri Road in Imo State has claimed the lives of dozens of innocent people, leaving families and communities in shock and grief. The attack, which involved gunmen setting vehicles ablaze, has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved security measures in the region. As authorities work to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, the victims’ loved ones are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity plaguing many parts of Nigeria, demanding collective action and resolve to ensure such tragedies do not recur.

A devastating attack rocked Imo State, south-east Nigeria, on Thursday morning, as gunmen blocked the Okigwe-Owerri Road, killed numerous travelers, and set over 20 vehicles ablaze. The assault, which occurred between Umuna in Onuimo Local Government Area and Amuro in Okigwe Local Government Area, has left communities in shock and heightened fears over escalating violence in the region.

A Morning of Terror

According to multiple sources, the gunmen, operating in three coordinated groups, flagged down vehicles along the busy highway, opened fire, and torched trucks, tippers, and motorcycles. Augustine Mbanusi, a local resident, told PREMIUM TIMES that the attackers razed approximately 20 vehicles, with estimates suggesting up to 30 people were killed during the chaos. “Some soldiers and police operatives confronted them, but the majority of those killed were travelers trapped in their vehicles,” Mbanusi said in Igbo, noting that the exact death toll remains unconfirmed.

A viral video circulating on social media captured the horrific scene, showing trucks engulfed in flames as sympathizers lamented the tragedy. Voices in the clip revealed the desperation of bystanders, with one man stating, “People are still trapped in the vehicles. If we had water, we could have saved them.” Another voice confirmed, “One of them is already dead,” highlighting the grim reality of the attack.

Police Confirm Attack, Suspect IPOB Involvement

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the assault in a statement issued Thursday evening by spokesperson Henry Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police. Okoye described how the gunmen blocked the highway, fired indiscriminately, and set vehicles ablaze, causing “panic and chaos.” While he did not specify the number of casualties, he acknowledged reports of deaths resulting from the ambush.

The police have pointed to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as the likely perpetrators, a claim frequently made by Nigerian authorities in response to similar attacks in the south-east. IPOB, which advocates for an independent Biafran state, has consistently denied involvement in such violence.

Security Response and Manhunt Underway

Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma swiftly led a joint tactical team, including personnel from the Nigerian Army, police, and State Security Service, to the scene. The team provided immediate assistance to victims and launched a comprehensive operation to apprehend the fleeing suspects. “A full-scale search and cordon operation is underway, with security operatives combing nearby forests and surrounding areas,” Okoye said.

Commissioner Danjuma condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of terror” and vowed that the manhunt would continue until all perpetrators are brought to justice. He urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and provide any credible information to aid the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need for community cooperation.

Rising Violence in Imo State

This latest attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in Imo State and Nigeria’s south-east, where armed groups frequently target security personnel, government officials, and civilians. Hundreds have been killed or abducted in the region in recent years, with vehicles and infrastructure often destroyed in brazen assaults. While the Nigerian government attributes much of the violence to IPOB, the group maintains that it is not responsible for the attacks.

The Okigwe-Owerri Road, a vital artery connecting communities, has become a hotspot for such incidents, leaving residents and travelers in constant fear. Thursday’s ambush follows a similar attack on May 8, when gunmen, also suspected to be herdsmen, killed a truck driver and hijacked an 18-seater bus along the nearby Aba-Owerri Road, further highlighting the region’s vulnerability.

A Call for Action

As investigations continue, the people of Imo State are grappling with grief and uncertainty. The police have appealed for calm and cooperation, but the recurring violence has intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and restore peace in the region.

For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our blog. We encourage readers to share any relevant information with local authorities to support the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.