By Prisca Nguzo
Imo State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma has assured intensified operation that would lead to arrest and persecution of the perpetrators of Thursday early morning attack at Umuna Onuimo LGA and some parts of Okigwe LGA.
The perpetrators suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, had during the attack set vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles, ablaze which also led to death of yet to be ascertained number of motorists and passers-by.
The CP who gave the assurance when he led a joint tactical team of the Police, Army, DSS, and other security agencies to the scene, reiterated that the command, together with its security partners, remain fully committed to restoring normalcy and safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and road users across the state.
Also the Command's spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, in statement issued over the incident, said, "the Imo State Police Command, working in synergy with the Millitary, Department of State Services (DSS), and other sister security agencies, has launched a coordinated manhunt for criminal elements suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. 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 vehicles—including trucks and motorcycles—ablaze. Tragically, reports of human casualties have also been confirmed as a result of the ambush."
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"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 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." Okoye added.
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