A heartbreaking wave of violence has swept through the Ezinachi community in Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, as fleeing gunmen killed seven people in a brutal attack on Saturday.
Among the victims were a vigilante operative, a married couple, and four others, leaving the community in shock and fear.
The attack is believed to be linked to escalating tensions involving the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), with the killings allegedly serving as a warning against perceived threats to their authority.
According to an anonymous community source, the tragedy unfolded after local youths formed a vigilante group in response to repeated attacks in Okigwe.
The group aimed to protect residents and deter further violence, but instead of operating discreetly, they announced their formation on social media, issuing warnings to IPOB and ESN members to stay away from the community.
This move allegedly provoked the proscribed group, leading to the deadly retaliation.
The source recounted how gunmen, reportedly loyal to IPOB and ESN leaders known as “Yahoo” and “Gentle,” stormed the community on Saturday afternoon, demanding to know who dared challenge their authority.
Amid the chaos, seven lives were lost, including that of a vigilante operative and a couple, while others fled into hiding.
“Our community has been thrown into fear and panic”, the source said. “Nobody can dare to say anything again.”
In response to the attack, security operatives from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have been deployed to the area to restore order.
Meanwhile, Imo State police command is yet to issue an official statement in respect to the unfortunate incident.
The Ezinachi community, already grappling with insecurity, now faces heightened fear and uncertainty as locals call for decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.