Panic gripped residents of Umudibia in Umualuaku community, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday morning, as suspected bandits laid siege to the area, firing sporadically for hours and forcing people to remain indoors.

The attack, which reportedly began around 5:30 am, left the community in fear, with residents trapped in their homes. As of press time, no casualties had been confirmed.

A distressed resident sent a message via the Imo Police Media platform, calling for urgent intervention.

Spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and assured that joint security forces had been mobilised to contain the threat.

“We are fully aware of the situation,” Okoye said around 9:34 a.m. “The Command, in synergy with the military and the Department of State Services (DSS), has taken proactive steps to nip the security threats in the bud.

“Tactical units have been deployed to apprehend the suspected IPOB/ESN members behind the senseless attacks aimed at instilling fear in the public.”

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via the emergency line: 08034773600.