Joint Security Task Force Attacked and Burnt in Coordinated Ambush
Imo State, Nigeria – In a tragic incident, gunmen have taken the lives of eight security agents, comprising soldiers, policemen, and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State. The brutal attack occurred on Tuesday morning within the Umualumaku community, located in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
Reports indicate that members of the Joint Security Task Force were traveling in two security trucks when they fell victim to an ambush by unknown assailants. Tragically, none of the security personnel survived as they were trapped inside their operational vehicles, which were subsequently set ablaze by the attackers.
A video capturing the horrifying incident circulated widely on social media platforms. In the video, a voice narrated that the security operatives were driving Toyota Hilux vehicles from Oriagu market to Aba-branch when they were ambushed and killed.
The aftermath of the attack has left the affected areas tense, with residents fleeing due to fear of the unknown. The police and army have cordoned off the region as investigations and security operations unfold.
Imo State has experienced a surge in insecurity, particularly in the South East region, where the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have been blamed for rising attacks.
Law enforcement agencies have initiated a manhunt for the assailants. Imo State Police Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, revealed that the commissioner of police had deployed personnel and assets to the area with a mission to apprehend the culprits. He emphasized the importance of retrieving the bodies of the fallen security personnel and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As panic grips the affected community, the area has been virtually deserted, with residents fearing arrests by security operatives. The youth population has largely left, leaving behind only a few elderly residents.
In response to the tragic incident, Governor Hope Uzodinma visited the scene of the attack and pledged the government’s commitment to combating criminality in the state. He expressed sorrow over the attack and assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, would work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The governor also urged local leaders and residents to cooperate with authorities in providing vital information that could aid investigations.
This attack comes after weeks of relative calm in the region, following previous attacks on government assets and security forces by ESN. In response, the governors of the South East region have encouraged residents to ignore sit-at-home orders, seeking to normalize economic activities.
The Labour Party (LP) has also condemned the attack, emphasizing its concern about the security situation in Imo State and the broader South East region. The LP called on the federal government to take decisive actions to end the resurgence of violence and insecurity in the area, particularly with the upcoming Imo State governorship election in November. The party stressed that no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian and urged the government to prevent the exploitation of insecurity for political purposes.
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