Panic has gripped parts of Imo State after unknown gunmen set several trucks on fire in the Okigwe and Onuimo Local Government Areas, prompting residents to flee as the violence spread.
In a video footage, the aftermath of the attacks showed multiple vehicles consumed by flames, while onlookers reacted in horror and disbelief.
The attack has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security landscape in the state.
A resident who spoke on Thursday expressed frustration over the situation, directing sharp criticism at Governor Hope Uzodimma for what they perceived as inaction.
“Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs are burning while our governor is busy enjoying his brand-new private jet,” the source said.“Lives and properties of Imolites are being destroyed by insecurity.”
The resident, who declined to be named for safety reasons, urged the governor to either take urgent steps to address the insecurity or empower local governments to manage it themselves.
“Dear Governor, as you have proven to all that you’re incapable and incapacitated to handle the security challenges in Okigwe and Onuimo, kindly release full allocations to these LGAs to handle their security challenges by themselves — or resign,” the source added.“Don’t you have human sympathy? Don’t you have human feelings? Are you comfortable with the pain and suffering of Imolites?”
Another community member questioned the governor’s empathy, wondering aloud whether he was aware of the people’s suffering.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma, please, where is your conscience? Are you not seeing or hearing the cry of the people you govern? What are the sins of the people against you that you’ve sworn to mercilessly deal with Imolites?” the individual asked.“People are being killed and properties are being destroyed daily, while you and your family are enjoying the state’s funds. If Imolites are completely destroyed and wiped out, who will you govern?”
Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the Okigwe incident was perpetrated by members of the IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Okoye said, “These armed miscreants attacked unsuspecting commuters along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in the early hours of Thursday, 8th May 2025.
“The attackers, operating in three separate groups, blocked the highway between Umunna in Onuimo LGA and parts of Okigwe LGA at about 0500hrs. ”
The motives behind the attacks remain unknown, and no group has taken responsibility so far. Meanwhile, the affected communities remain tense, with many locals reportedly fleeing to safer areas.