Gunmen dressed in military camouflage, at the weekend, invaded Abacheke community in Ohaji /Egbema Local Council, killing four out of five young men hit by their guns.

The only survivor is receiving treatment at the hospital, while four others were confirmed dead on arrival at the same hospital.

According to sources, the suspected bandits, who attacked the area, around 7p.m. on Friday, came on motorcycles, and were dressed in military uniform. They reportedly shot sporadically at some houses in the area.

Meanwhile, the Police Spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, has confirmed the incident.

Okoye said that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed tactical security operators from the command to beef up security within the vicinity, and arrest the attackers.

In a statement he issued, yesterday, Okoye, said: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has condemned in totality the gruesome murder of four young men at Abacheke community in Ohaji Egbema by gunmen who were dressed in military camouflage and has deployed the Command Special Tactical Squad to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.”

The statement explained how the incident happened, according to information available to the command: “On 8/03/2024 at about 1830hrs, the hoodlums swiftly attacked Abacheke community in their numbers, riding motorcycles and firing sporadically during which five residents were seriously hit.  In a swift response, the Area Commander-in-Charge of Ohaji Egbema and other tactical teams mobilised to the scene, and the victims were immediately rushed to the hospital, where four were confirmed dead on arrival, while one is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Intense operation is ongoing in the area.”

The spokesperson said that normalcy had been restored as investigation was ongoing, stressing: “While normalcy has been restored in the area, a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to fish out the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly act and make them face the full wrath of the law.

He urged the residents who have useful information about the incident to report such to the command, noting: “The Command calls on the general public, particularly the residents of Ohaji/Egbema, who may have any useful information that will assist the Police in the investigation to kindly report at the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600. Let us collaboratively work towards stamping out violent crimes in the state.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said the Danjuma, commiserated with the families, and friends of the victims, promising that everything would be explored to ensure that the perpetrators of the act would be brought to book, “CP Danjuma commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and vowed that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.”