At least seven people were killed in coordinated overnight attacks across four villages in Nigeria’s Imo State, police confirmed on Friday.
The assaults occurred in the Ideato North Local Government Area between Thursday night and early Friday, with multiple injuries reported.
Police Spokesperson Henry Okoye described the incidents as “gruesome” during a briefing in Owerri, the state capital. He stated preliminary investigations suggest involvement of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) affiliate. Authorities have deployed tactical units to intensify patrols and restore stability.
Witnesses reported gunmen arriving on motorcycles and firing indiscriminately at villagers. The state-owned News Agency of Nigeria cited local sources indicating over 14 fatalities, though police maintain the confirmed death toll stands at seven pending further investigation.
Security forces are conducting intensive searches in affected communities to apprehend suspects and prevent further violence. The attacks underscore persistent security challenges in southeastern Nigeria, where separatist groups frequently target rural areas.
