Unknown Gunmen Launch Guerrilla Attacks In Owerri
From OBINNA NWADIKE, Aba
Owerri, the Imo State capital, has been thrown into chaos following a series of guerrilla-style attacks by unknown gunmen.
Pentoks News gathered that the Okigwe, Wetheral and Tetlow junction roads, very close to the State Police Command, were not spared by the hoodlums.
Other areas affected were Ikenegbu, Ama Hausa, IMSU back gate, MCC Road, and Okigwe Road.
Also, there were sporadic gunshots at a popular junction right in front of Imo State Police Command Headquarters and adjacent Nigeria Correctional facility in Owerri.
Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, was quoted as saying that the attackers had employed a “guerrilla-style strategy,” executing surprise assaults before retreating to their hideouts.
Areas affected included Ikenegbu, Imo State University (IMSU) back gate, Wetheral Road, Amawusa, and the Toronto axis, where sporadic gunfire has caused widespread panic among residents.
In response to the escalating violence, Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has spearheaded a robust offensive against the suspected gunmen.
“The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scene. The Command is on top of the situation. We will get the miscreants responsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive,” Okoye said.
The recent violence followed earlier attacks on Police officers and civilians, heightening security concerns across the state.
Okoye condemned the perpetrators as “pure cowards” and assured the public of ongoing efforts to restore peace.
He said: “We will deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public in such a way that they will never think of perpetrating insecurity in the State.”
Okoye urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the Police, emphasizing collective effort in overcoming the current security challenges.
“This is, indeed, a trying time; but, together we will come out victorious. Imo must be peaceful.”