Owerri, the Imo State capital, is currently under siege following a series of guerrilla-style attacks by unknown gunmen.
Videos on social media show gunshots ringing out loud at a popular junction right in front of Imo State Police Command Headquarters and adjacent to Nigeria Correctional facility in Owerri.
Residents were also seen scampering to safety as the exact location the shots were being fired from could not be ascertained.
According to Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, the attackers have employed a “guerrilla-style strategy,” executing surprise assaults before retreating to their hideouts.
Areas affected include 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 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 follows 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.
“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,” he declared.
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,” he added.