A brutal terror attack that shook the Ideato North council area of Imo State on Thursday night, July 24, 2025, at around 21:00 hours has left not fewer than 15 people dead.
The assailants who reportedly disguised in fake military uniforms rode three separate motorbikes and gunned down 15 innocent civilians in cold blood.
The attackers targeted shops in Ndiakunwanta Uno, Ndiejezie in Arondizuogu, and Umualoma, all within the Ideato North Local Government Area. The cowardly nature of the attack is evident, as women, children, and young men were shot indiscriminately. The assailants’ strategy was clearly calculated, striking locations along the same road axis to facilitate easy escape.
The Imo State Police authorities have confirmed the attack and deployed operatives to the affected areas. While the police suspect IPOB/ESN gunmen to be behind the attack, vigilant sources point to an IPOB factional group led by incarcerated Simon Ekpa, known as the Auto Pilot group.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many observers attributing the poor security in rural Imo State communities to governance failures, criticizing Governor Hope Uzodimma for being absent and slow to address security concerns.
A grieving source, whose teenage female cousin was killed in the attack, shared the devastating impact: “We have never seen anything like this. The killers were only interested in killing, not talking. They stop, shoot, and move to the next location. We’re now digging the grave for my cousin.” In Umualaoma alone, nine bodies have been counted, with Arondizuogu expected to have more casualties.
The attack has left residents fearful and questioning the state government’s commitment to their safety.