Tension gripped parts of Imo State on Thursday following a violent assault by unidentified gunmen who set fire to more than six vehicles—including trucks, buses, and private cars—along the busy Owerri–Okigwe Road. The attack occurred early in the morning at Umuna in the Onuimo Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers may have been enforcing a sit-at-home directive, though the exact motive behind the destruction remains unclear. “We saw them burning vehicles and shouting that people should obey the sit-at-home order,” said a resident of Umuna.
The attack sparked widespread fear across neighboring local government areas, including Okigwe, Obowo, Isiala Mbano, and Ehime Mbano. Many motorists traveling toward Enugu State were forced to divert to alternate routes in search of safety.
Viral videos shared on social media showed several trucks engulfed in flames along Umuna Road, with some nearby buildings also affected by the spreading fire.
This attack comes just days after a separate incident involving suspected armed herders who reportedly abducted over 26 passengers along the Owerri–Aba Road. The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday evening, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area. Victims were allegedly dragged into a nearby forest.
A local resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that more than two buses were hijacked during the abduction. “Our people are now living in fear. Some of us have not gone to the farms since this happened,” the source said.
Community leaders have called for urgent security interventions. “We need a strong security network to guard ourselves. This is getting out of hand. We must work closely with security agencies to find a lasting solution,” one leader stated.
As of the time of this report, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had not responded to inquiries. However, a security source disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers. “We are closing in on them. But for now, not everything will be put out there for the media. You will hear positive results soon. Our men are already on the ground, doing the needful,” the source said.
The atmosphere in the affected areas remains tense as residents and travelers await further updates from law enforcement agencies.
