Tension In Imo As Gunmen Set Ablaze Houses, Shops

Over ten houses and shops were reportedly set ablaze last night by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in the Izombe community, in the Ogutal local government area of Imo state.

Reports reaching Naija News at the time revealed that the community was attacked by some gun-wielding men from 4:30 pm till 7:30 pm in Izombe on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

The development, according to a source who spoke with Vanguard Newspaper, has caused tension in the community.

The source, who spoke on anonymity, said places affected by the fire include; Central market, Amamuruegede, Eziama, Umuakpa, and Eke-well, among others.

Narrating the incident, the source said: “We saw men in a security uniform. They came in with about eight security vehicles fully armed. They drove in at about 4:30 pm.

“When we saw them people were afraid. As it was getting dark, all of a sudden they shot in the air and people started running. They went straight to some selected houses and shops and put fire on the buildings. They burnt more than ten houses.”

“As I am talking to you now, many people have abandoned their houses and fled into the bushes. Some of us don’t know the whereabouts of our children and wives. By tomorrow, we will come out and know the level of damage they have done. Till now, we don’t know the sins we have committed that we deserve this kind of attack,” the source told newsmen.