On July 24, 2025, a brutal attack by gunmen in three communities of Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, resulted in the killing of scores of youths, leaving the communities in deep mourning. The attack, which took place between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., involved gunmen riding on motorbikes who indiscriminately opened fire on residents, including shop owners, customers, and local youths, with at least seven persons confirmed killed and several others critically injured. The attackers were reportedly dressed in military-style uniforms and suspected to be members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) armed wing, according to the Imo State Police Command.
In response to this tragedy, the World Igbo National Union (WINU) has issued a strong condemnation of the killings and expressed serious concern over the Imo State Government’s silence on the matter, describing it as "disheartening and unacceptable." WINU called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the killings and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice. The union urged all South Eastern governors to enhance security measures in the region, including sponsoring local vigilantes and installing security cameras in strategic locations to support effective policing[attachment].
WINU also called for the immediate arrest of Niger Delta militant leader Alhaji Asari Dokubo, following reports that he allegedly claimed responsibility for orchestrating attacks that led to the deaths of Igbo youths in parts of Imo and Anambra States. The union condemned the continued freedom of Dokubo and emphasized the need for decisive action by Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure accountability[attachment].
The group highlighted the growing threat from what it termed "Fulani terrorist invaders" infiltrating southeastern neighborhoods and appealed to community youths to remain vigilant by monitoring non-citizens' activities for communal security. WINU reaffirmed its stance against violence in Igbo land, promising to remain vigilant and pursue justice for the victims, stressing that extrajudicial killings and violence will no longer be tolerated in the region[attachment].
This incident has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society groups and has intensified calls for heightened security and government accountability in Imo State amid the escalating insecurity challenges in southeastern Nigeria.
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