Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Imo Community

Some unidentified gunmen have reportedly attacked Orogwe, a community in Imo State, injuring scores of people.

Reports reaching Naija News on Tuesday confirmed that there was unrest in the Owerri Local Government Area of Imo State after the assailants stormed the community shooting sporadically.

Residents confirmed to newsmen that at least seven people were shot dead in the gunfire while others injured were taken to the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri.

It was reported that the unrest started after security operatives suspected to be members of the Ebubeagu Security outfit stormed the community and whisked a youth away.

Reacting to the unannounced raid by the suspected security outfit, the yet-to-be-identified gunmen reportedly came out and began to shoot sporadically.

“Ebubeagu people came and took away a youth from the community. On Monday night, some men with guns came to the community and stormed a building site and opened fire. Seven persons died while others wounded were rushed to the FMC Owerri,” said a resident who spoke anonymously with The PUNCH.

Naija News learnt that an okada rider who was driving through was caught in the crossfire.

The young man was also rushed to the FMC Owerri emergency unit where medical personnel attended to him.

The number of casualties confirmed to newsmen by a source at the FMC was in contrast with residents claim as it stated that the hospital had confirmed only six bodies.

The source said the emergency unit of the hospital was jampacked with anxious friends, relatives and well-wishers of the victims.

“The emergency unit is filled. Many people here. The unit is rowdy. Six dead bodies are here while others that are critically injured are being attended to by medical personnel,” the source at the FMC said.