A civil rights group, International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has contradicted the police's claim that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was responsible for the recent killings in Imo State. Instead, Intersociety alleges that jihadist herdsmen fleeing Anambra forests were behind the attacks that claimed 28 lives in three Imo communities ¹.
The Attack
The incident occurred on July 24, 2025, in Umualaoma and Arondizuogu Villages of Ndi-Ejezie and Ndi-Akunwanta-Uno in Ideato North part of Imo State. According to Intersociety, the jihadist herdsmen, dressed in military camouflage and operating on motorcycles, stormed the villages, killing several people ².
Victims of the Attack
Some of the victims identified include ¹:
- *Ms. Chiamaka Omego*, a tailor at the Village's Nkwo Market Square
- *Ifeanyi (Udoakpuenyi)*, a popular local and owner of an entertainment masquerade
- *Ms. Sabina*, an owner of a local chemist store
- *Nonso Mbaoma*, a local footballer
- *Obinna and his wife*, shot and killed in front of their restaurant
IPOB's Response
IPOB has denied involvement in the killings, accusing the Nigerian government and security agencies of orchestrating the violence to discredit the group. The group claims that the government is trying to sabotage growing public and legal support for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 ³ ⁴.
Demands for Investigation
Intersociety has demanded that the government investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The group also called for the disbandment of the Ndikeokwu-Uli Vigilante Group in Anambra State, which they claim was involved in the incident ¹.
Conclusion
The conflicting narratives surrounding the Imo killings highlight the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the allegations and demands made by Intersociety and IPOB.
