A violent confrontation between armed groups and military personnel has left dozens feared dead in several communities within the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. According to eyewitness accounts, the clash erupted in the Aba branch area when an armed group launched a surprise attack on soldiers stationed in the region.
The attackers, described by locals as non-state actors, ambushed the soldiers in the early hours, leading to a fierce gun battle. The intensity of the fight turned the once-peaceful area into a war zone, with bullets flying and buildings reportedly damaged by stray gunfire. The violence has led to widespread panic in the area, as residents scrambled for safety.
A local resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the scene as chaotic: “Some non-state actors attacked and killed soldiers in the area yesterday. The whole place is on fire, and the troops have taken over nearby communities.” As the gunfight escalated, soldiers engaged in a fierce exchange of fire, and it is feared that both security personnel and civilians were caught in the crossfire.
Residents, already living in fear due to insecurity in parts of the state, fled their homes in large numbers, seeking refuge in neighboring communities. “We are terrified,” said another resident. “The sound of gunfire is still echoing in our ears. We don’t know what will happen next. Ehime used to be a peaceful environment; now we don’t know what is happening.”
Eyewitnesses also reported seeing several injured soldiers during the confrontation, with conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties on both sides. While the military has since gained control of the affected areas, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing operations to secure the region.
The military presence has intensified in the area, with troops reportedly conducting house-to-house searches in a bid to root out the attackers and restore calm. Despite this, many families remain displaced, unsure of when it will be safe to return to their homes.
When contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, ASP Okoye Henry, declined to comment on the details of the attack, stating, “Please call the army spokesperson. He’s the one to give you more details.” However, efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for further clarification were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to him.
The situation in Imo State has been tense in recent months, with escalating violence between security forces and armed groups, raising concerns about the safety of civilians in the affected regions. The latest clash has only deepened the sense of insecurity in the state, as communities anxiously wait for peace to be restored.
