Gunmen attacked commuters in Imo State, resulting in casualties and raising concerns about security in the region. Police blame IPOB, while Amnesty International reports 30 deaths
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] wave of terror gripped Imo State on Thursday as gunmen attacked commuters in the Abor Umulolo area of Okigwe Local Government Area and parts of Onuimo.
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While the police confirmed the incident, they did not provide a specific number of casualties. However, Amnesty International reported on X (formerly Twitter) that as many as 30 travellers were killed and 20 vehicles and trucks were set ablaze, sparking widespread apprehension across the state.
The Nigeria Police Force has attributed the attack to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that one of the assailants was killed in a shootout with security operatives who responded to the scene.
According to the police, the gunmen, operating in three groups, barricaded the highway around 4:00 am and fired sporadically before setting vehicles on fire.
Police reports indicate that security agents deployed to the area engaged the gunmen, who were ultimately overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces.
A full-scale search and cordon operation is currently underway, with security operatives combing nearby forests and surrounding areas where the suspects are believed to be hiding.
One of the attackers was reportedly gunned down, while others fled with bullet wounds. A snatched Toyota Corolla and an HP laptop were recovered from the scene.
The Imo State Police Command, through its spokesman Henry Okoye, stated that the body of the neutralized suspect has been deposited in the morgue, and the recovered items are in police custody for further investigation.
He added that a full-scale search and cordon operation is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the government to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, citing the high number of alleged fatalities and the destruction of vehicles.
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In related news, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has refuted reports suggesting that the Federal Government has commenced extradition proceedings against factional IPOB leader Simon Ekpa, clarifying that the government is instead in discussions with Finnish authorities to ensure he is held accountable for his actions in Finland, where he is currently facing trial.
