Gunmen kill eight, burn houses in Imo community

By Emmanuel Iheaka

No fewer than eight persons were feared killed on Saturday when unidentified gunmen attacked Abacheke community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants stormed a security checkpoint in the area and opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties.

According to the source, some security operatives were among those killed in the attack.

The gunmen were also said to have set about six houses ablaze during the raid, throwing the community into panic.

“They killed about eight people, including a security man. The attack was targeted at a checkpoint. It was like a war. They shot for some time and set about six houses ablaze,” the source said.

“There is serious tension and fear in the community. Some residents have fled the area for fear of another attack,” the source added.

As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the attack was linked to the sit-at-home declared by pro-Biafra groups to mark Biafra Day or if the gunmen were carrying out a different mission.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the police were unsuccessful, as the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, had yet to comment on the incident.

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