admin
The ancient town of Okigwe, Imo State, has been thrown into mourning after a brutal night of bloodshed that left no fewer than 5 people dead.
The killings were allegedly carried out by gunmen loyal to notorious gang leaders, known as Gentle the Yahoo and Angel Makeup, in a direct retaliation against the family of a local vigilante commander at Ezinnachi community in Okigwe council area of the state.
Gentle the Yahoo, a notorious Biafran agitator, is one of the terrorists governing many communities in Okigwe council area of Imo state.
He has been linked to many deadly attacks in the area.
Eyewitnesses say the armed gang stormed the commander’s compound, killing relatives in what residents described as a “massacre.” The vigilante leader had recently gone viral for issuing a bold ultimatum, warning Gentle and his men to either lay down their arms or vacate Okigwe Zone. Barely a week later, the gang struck back with merciless violence.
A local source said during the attack, Edeh George, a member of the local youth security team, together with four villagers identified as Emeka Ezeagwula, Chikodi Ezeagwula, Chidi Chileke, and Ejike Nwankwo, were fatally shot.
The assailants further set ablaze the residence of the youth security leader and destroyed five motorcycles.
For years, insecurity in Imo State has centered around Orlu and Okigwe zones—two regions often blamed for more than 90% of the state’s violent crimes. While security forces appear to be regaining control in Orlu, the situation in Okigwe has deteriorated sharply.
Reports of kidnappings, roadside killings, and gunmen setting up illegal checkpoints have become part of daily life. Commercial vehicles are often ambushed, with trucks and trailers burned and their operators murdered in cold blood.
Okigwe’s position as a commercial gateway to Abia and Enugu States, along with its large population of northern settlers, makes the insecurity even more alarming.
Initially, residents suspected Fulani herdsmen of orchestrating the killings. However, recent evidence points to homegrown terror groups, with Gentle the Yahoo’s gang emerging as one of the most dreaded.
The community had responded by forming a vigilante group, led by a respected son of the soil, in a bid to reclaim their land. But his public confrontation with Gentle escalated tensions, culminating in the recent gruesome massacre of his own family.
Analysts say the killings mark a dangerous shift—transforming what was once described as attacks by “unknown gunmen” into an internal conflict of kinsmen against kinsmen.
“This is no longer outsiders,” one community leader lamented. “It is our own people turning the gun against us.”
As fear and apprehension pervade Okigwe, calls are growing louder for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments.
Security agencies are being urged to move in swiftly, neutralize the terror gangs, and restore peace.
Until then, residents of Okigwe live in uncertainty, bracing for what could come next in this deadly cycle of violence.
Police react
The police spokesperson in Imo, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
In the statement, Mr Okoye said the commissioner of police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the command’s tactical teams in synergy with other sister security agencies and local vigilantes, to hunt down the suspected IPOB/ESN miscreants responsible for the senseless attack that claimed the lives of five residents.
The police spokesperson explained that upon receipt of the distress report, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene, evacuated the victims to General Hospital, Okigwe, where doctors confirmed them dead on arrival.
“Their remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while one survivor is currently receiving medical treatment.”
Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who is personally leading an intense operation in Okigwe alongside other security agencies, condemned the heinous act and assured that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
He stressed that those behind the attack will be made to face the full weight of the law.
The CP also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased victims, wished the injured survivor a speedy recovery, and prayed that God grant the affected families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Imo State Police command urged residents to remain calm as security has been reinforced in Okigwe and its environs.
He asked members of the public to support the Police with credible and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations by reporting to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600.
Terrorists boldly claim responsibility
The Biafra fighters have claimed responsibility for latest killings in the Imo community.
One of the terrorists known as Angel Make Up was seen in a video, rejoicing over the attack. He threatened further killings in Okigwe council should youths form a vigilante group without the approval of the “men on ground ”.
Multiple accounts supporting Biafra agitation shared the video on Facebook on Sunday.
