At least eight people have been killed after unidentified gunmen launched a violent attack on Abacheke community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo state on Saturday.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers stormed a security checkpoint in the area and opened fire indiscriminately, killing both civilians and security personnel.
According to the source, the gunmen also set about six houses on fire during the raid, forcing residents to flee the community in 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.
The source added that the community remains in fear following the incident, with many residents deserting their homes over concerns of a possible follow-up attack.
“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 not yet clear whether the attack was linked to the sit-at-home order declared by pro-Biafra groups or carried out for other motives.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Imo state police command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, had yet to comment on the incident.
