A deadly gunfight erupted in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on the night of October 8, 2024, leading to multiple casualties and injuries.
The violent encounter, which occurred at the Aba branch of Ehime Mbano, saw Nigerian soldiers engaged in a fierce battle with yet-to-be-identified gunmen. Local sources suggest that many may have lost their lives, although exact figures are yet to be confirmed.
According to reports from The Nation, the attack began when armed individuals ambushed a group of soldiers, resulting in the deaths of several military personnel. “Some non-state actors attacked and killed some soldiers in the area yesterday,” a source disclosed. In response, soldiers launched a counter-offensive and swiftly moved to secure the area, with troops reportedly taking control of neighboring communities.
Panic quickly spread among local residents as the sounds of heavy gunfire echoed throughout the area. Fearing for their safety, many fled their homes, leaving the once-quiet community in a state of chaos. “The whole place is on fire, and troops have taken over nearby communities,” another source shared, indicating the scale of the conflict.
One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, described the atmosphere of fear that now grips the community. “We are terrified. The sound of gunfire is still echoing in our ears. We don’t know what will happen next. We are worried.” The once peaceful area of Ehime Mbano has been thrown into turmoil, and locals remain uncertain about what lies ahead. “Ehime used to be a serene environment, and we don’t know what is happening,” the resident added.
This violent incident comes just days after a separate attack in the same local government area, where the home of Senator Frank Ibezim, a former lawmaker representing the Okigwe senatorial zone, was set ablaze, along with the National Open University center in Ezeoke Nsu.
