Gunmen launched a deadly assault on Friday across three communities; Umualoma, Ndiakunwanta, and Ndiejezie in Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, killing at least seven people and leaving several others critically injured.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers rode into the communities on motorbikes and began shooting sporadically at residents.
Victims reportedly included bar patrons, shop owners, customers, and passersby.
A local source who spoke anonymously said the shootings occurred while people were relaxing at local bars and some were playing board games.
“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,” the source told DAILY GAZETTE.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued Friday by its spokesman, Henry Okoye.
He reported that seven persons had been confirmed dead and several others sustained injuries.
Okoye stated that the assailants were suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and that the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 25, 2025.
“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.”
Okoye further noted that normalcy had been restored to the affected areas, with tactical teams actively combing the surroundings for the attackers.
“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 concluded.
