7 Killed In Gruesome Attack In Southeast Nigeria
Six others sustained severe injuries and are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in the state capital.
Many non-indigenes living in Orogwe, a community in Owerri, southeastern Nigeria, have vacated their homes following the murder of seven people by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) terrorists.
Though the incident occurred on Monday, Aug. 1, it was not reported in the media until Auwal Baba Suleiman, leader of the Hausa-dominated community, confirmed the killing to journalists in Owerri on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Aside from the seven people killed, six others sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the city’s Federal Medical Centre.
Mike Abattam, Imo State Police Command spokesperson, told HumAngle that the assailants, who were suspected members of IPOB’s armed militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), came in a black Lexus jeep and three motorcycles carrying two persons each, and shot at the occupants of a building in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area.
“Regrettably, a total of seven persons lost their lives in the attack while six others sustained injuries and were rushed to the FMC,” he said.
HumAngle learnt that many fled their homes for fear of repeated attacks.
“Many non-indigenes, particularly northerners, are vacating their homes because of the activities of the terror groups. We are hopeful that we will overcome it,” a police source, who spoke under anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, told our reporter.
Declared as a terror group in 2018, IPOB, a separatist organisation, is demanding the creation of an independent state of Biafra comprising the current Southeast and South-south regions.
They also demand the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in detention and charged with treasonable felony and unlawful possession of arms. Concerns have been raised about the group’s violent activities, which have led to a loss of lives and stifled businesses in the region.
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