The Imo State Police Command has linked Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, to the recent attack on the Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area (LGA) headquarters, where two local vigilantes were killed, and several vehicles set ablaze. The attack occurred late on Tuesday night, sparking widespread concern in the region.
Witnesses reported that the gunmen arrived at the council premises around 8:30 p.m., opened fire indiscriminately, and killed two vigilante members guarding the building. The assailants then set fire to several parked vehicles and parts of the council headquarters.
Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed that the attackers are suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He further disclosed that the attack could be linked to a recent one-month “sit-at-home” order issued by Simon Ekpa, who had threatened to target government facilities and infrastructure across the southeast region.
“Hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN attacked the Isiala-Mbano LGA headquarters, firing sporadically. We were aware of the threats, so we deployed operatives alongside local vigilantes. The vigilantes engaged the attackers in a gunfight, but unfortunately, two of them sustained severe injuries,” Okoye said.
He noted that while the two injured vigilantes were rushed to the hospital, their conditions were critical. The attackers also used locally made petrol bombs to damage several parked vehicles at the council premises before fleeing the scene.
“Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed IPOB leader, had issued a one-month sit-at-home threat, stating that they would attack government facilities. We believe this attack is part of that agenda,” Okoye added.
The police have now deployed tactical teams to track down the perpetrators of the crime, urging the people of Imo State to cooperate with security agencies in identifying the assailants hiding within the communities.
