Dare Babalola
Suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have invaded three communities in Arondizogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, killing no fewer than seven persons.
The incident happened on Friday in Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta and Ndiejezie communities.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the school on a motorbike shooting locals who were said to be shop owners, their customers, and passersby.
“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,” a source told The Punch anonymously.
The incident was confirmed by the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Friday.
According to Okoye, seven people were killed and several people were injured.
He, however, stated that security operatives deployed to the area have returned normalcy to the villages.
He blamed it on gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, confirming that the killings occurred during the early hours of Friday, July 25, 2025, at Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno, all in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA.
“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.
