Tension In Imo As Gunmen Attack Owerri Prison In Attempted Jailbreak [Video]

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have carried out a series of attacks in Owerri, Imo State.

Several areas in the city, including Owerri prison, Ikenegbu, the back gate of Imo State University (IMSU), Wetheral Road, Amawusa, and Toronto axis, experienced sporadic gunfire, causing widespread panic among residents on Wednesday, July 31.

A security report from Eons Intelligence, shared on X, attributed the shooting to unknown gunmen.

The post stated: “At 1130 am today 31st July, 2024, Owerri Prison under attack by Unknown gunmen as prison armed Squad in gun duel.  Reinforcement from military and other security formation ongoing.”

Another tweet reads, “Report of sporadic shooting across Owerri Municipal by UGM. Suspected Hoodlums also attacked the UBA bank at Wetheral Road.  Avoid the area until normalcy is restored.”

Speaking on the situation, Imo State Police Command Spokesperson Henry Okoye said that Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has launched a direct assault on the suspected gunmen.

He explained that the attackers have adopted a “guerilla-style strategy, where they come out from their enclaves, unleash surprise attack and go back into hiding.”

Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scene. The Command is on-top of the situation. We will get the miscreants reponsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive.

“We will so 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.

“Let us encourage Imolites to report any suspicious person/activities to the Police. This is indeed a trying time but together we will come out victorious. Imo must be peaceful.

“They are pure cowards, the criminals suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN adopted a guerilla-like strategic where they come out from their enclaves, unleash a surprise attack and go back into hiding. However, concerted efforts are underway by security agencies to apprehend them.

“Our men had a shoot-out with hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. Intensive operation is ongoing to restore back normalcy.”

Watch the videos below:

JUST IN: At 1130 am today 31st July,204,Owerri Prison under attack by Unknown gun men as prison armed Squad in gun dual.
Reinforcement from military and other security formation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/OxlD0A9J8j

— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) July 31, 2024

JUST IN: Report of sporadic shooting across Owerri Municipal by UGM. Suspected Hoodlums also attacked the UBA bank at Wetheral Road.
Avoid the area until normalcy is restored pic.twitter.com/AClZOgozeW

— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) July 31, 2024

Owerri, South-East, Nigeria. A total w@r zone.

The Tradional Media is keeping a crim!nal silence on what IPOB terror!sts are doing SE. Where is the media coverage? pic.twitter.com/W41ck17rII

— Nwo-Diali 𓃵 (@Manlike_ED) July 31, 2024

JUST IN: Shooting in Owerri!, the situation report is still sketchy..

Stay Safe if you are in Owerri! pic.twitter.com/XmrLX47jle

— Chudé (@chude__) July 31, 2024

Be safe out there!

Owerri, Imo on 🔥

Sh00ting everywhere#IgboMustGo pic.twitter.com/E9rZDqTuI9

— Eddy Twins (@Eddy_Twins_) July 31, 2024

KanyiDaily recalls that two Nigerian soldiers were recently killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen on Biafra Heroes Day in Abia State.