Gunmen kill five in Nigeria's Imo community

At least five people, including two security operatives, died in an early Saturday attack on Abacheke community in Imo State's Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area. Gunmen stormed the community, targeting security personnel at a checkpoint and then firing on residents, according to witness accounts. Several houses were also set ablaze.

“

So he (the cartel leader) got angry, attacked and killed the two operatives, including their second-in-command. The operatives were wearing black attire.

Residents identified the attackers as members of an illegal oil bunkering cartel. They claim the attack was retaliation for a recent raid where security forces killed one of the cartel's members. The cartel leader allegedly led the assault, first killing two security operatives and then indiscriminately shooting residents and burning homes.

“

And because the security checkpoint is very close to Abacheke, they now entered the community in anger and started shooting people who were not involved in the raid.

While some residents reported up to eight deaths, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify this. Among the identified victims are Isioma Osuwa, Noble Chikwado, and Melody Odiuko. The local traditional ruler, Bright Ikeji, requested time to provide details and has not yet commented. A police source confirmed the deaths of two SSS operatives and three residents, attributing the attack to the oil bunkering cartel. However, the SSS spokesperson stated they were unaware of any operatives being killed, adding to the confusion surrounding the incident.

“

They burnt many houses too, about six houses.