Several people have been killed and the newly appointed head of a local security outfit in Okigwe, Imo State, is missing after a violent attack by unidentified gunmen.
The security leader, whose name had not been confirmed as of press time, gained attention days earlier when a video of him warning criminal groups to leave Okigwe “or face dire consequences” circulated widely on social media.
On Saturday, armed men stormed his residence, opening fire indiscriminately, according to residents. The full number of casualties remains unclear, but multiple deaths have been reported.
Among the victims were the Rebuild Imo Coordinator in Okigwe, Emeka Ezeagwula, his wife, Blessing, a vigilante member identified as Chidi Chineke, and another resident, Ejike Otuonye. Several homes were also set ablaze in the assault.
“They came to the residence of the newly appointed security leader and opened fire. Nobody has seen him since then,” one source told reporters, requesting anonymity.
The fate of the security leader remains uncertain. It is not clear if he was at the scene of the attack or managed to escape.
The police have yet to comment on the incident. Messages sent to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, had not been returned at the time of filing this report.
