They shot sporadically, causing panic and chaos, and set over twenty vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles ablaze. Tragically, reports of human casualties have also been confirmed as a result of the ambush.
Suspected armed herdsmen have allegedly shot and killed a truck driver and hijacked an 18-seater bus along the busy Aba-Owerri road in Imo State. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, leaving road users stranded and terrified.
According to Ugo Okere, an eyewitness, the gunmen emerged from the bush and began shooting sporadically, causing drivers to stop abruptly. The sudden attack created panic among road users, highlighting the insecurity in the area.
“Everything happened so fast; gunmen who we suspect to be herdsmen just jumped out from surrounding bushes and started shooting into the air. They, however, shot dead a truck driver directly, which forced drivers to stop abruptly.
“Thereafter, they commandeered an 18-seater bus with complete passengers to follow them amidst heavy shooting. They left within minutes and disappeared the same way they appeared.”
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye said, “It’s an old story an incident that happened two days ago, and we have launched a manhunt to apprehend those behind the act”
Also, Suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday allegedly set ablaze over 20 vehicles along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway.
According to DSP Henry Okoye, Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, the attack was perpetrated by IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) members.
Okoye said, “These armed miscreants attacked unsuspecting commuters along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in the early hours of Thursday, 8th May 2025.
“The attackers, operating in three separate groups, blocked the highway between Umunna in Onuimo LGA and parts of Okigwe LGA at about 0500hrs.
“They shot sporadically, causing panic and chaos, and set over twenty vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles ablaze. Tragically, reports of human casualties have also been confirmed as a result of the ambush.
“But responding swiftly to the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, led a joint tactical team of the Police, Army, DSS, and other security agencies to the scene.
“The team provided immediate support to victims and initiated a comprehensive operation to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects responsible for this heinous attack.
“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.
“The Commissioner has assured the public that the operation will continue until all perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“While condemning the attack in the strongest terms and describing it as a cowardly act of terror, CP Aboki Danjuma has called on Imolites to remain calm, law-abiding, and security conscious.
“He further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing operations.”