Gunmen have unleashed mayhem in Umualaoma autonomous Community of Imo state as well as Ndi-Ejezie and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Arondizuogu.
All the three autonomous communities are in Ideato North Local Government Areas of Imo State.
The incident occurred late Thursday night stretching into early morning hours of Friday when the assailants invaded the communities.
In a preliminary statement issued by leaders of Umualaoma autonomous Community, the gunmen who left after the attack came in around 9.30pm on Thursday.
The statement was signed by the President General (PG) of Umualaoma autonomous community, Hon Chikezie Oguejiofor.
The statement, released on Friday morning said: “Good morning Ndi-Umualaoma.This is dark moment in the history of our community.
“Last night at about 8.21pm,some unknown blood thirsty boys(three in number)invaded our innocent community and unleashed terror to our community.
“Unfortunately, we lost nine lives.
On behalf of the Executives of the town Union I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and relatives for this unimaginable loss.
“May God grant all of us the grace and fortitude to bear this pain,” Oguejiofor concluded
Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Okoye Henry confirmed the attacks in a statement on Friday.
According to him, “over seven persons” were gruesomely killed in the attack, while an unspecified number of others were critically injured.
According to the spokesman, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma condemned the incident, assuring that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
“Consequently, the CP has led a tactical unit 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”, Okoye added.
