Fear and tension have gripped residents of Abacheke community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State following a deadly attack by unidentified gunmen that reportedly left at least eight people dead.
According to local sources, the attackers stormed the community on Saturday and launched a violent assault targeting a security checkpoint in the area.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as a terrifying scene, with heavy gunfire echoing across the community as residents scrambled for safety.
The attackers reportedly opened fire for an extended period, killing several people, including a security operative stationed at the checkpoint.
Beyond the loss of lives, the gunmen were said to have set multiple buildings ablaze, leaving destruction in their wake and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
A community source revealed that about six houses were burned during the attack, while survivors remain traumatised by the scale of violence that unfolded.
“It was like a war situation. The gunmen attacked the checkpoint, shot several people and burned houses. Many people are afraid and some residents have already left the community,” the source said.
The attack has thrown the area into panic, with fears of further violence spreading among residents and neighbouring communities.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the casualty figure, while the motive behind the attack remained unclear.
There are also uncertainties over whether the incident is connected to activities surrounding the annual Biafra Day observance or if it was carried out for a different reason.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as police authorities had yet to issue a formal response regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, residents are calling for increased security presence and urgent intervention to prevent further attacks and restore calm in the community.
