At least five individuals, including two security personnel, lost their lives in Imo State following an attack by gunmen on the community of Abacheke in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the assailants targeted a security checkpoint in the area, according to sources.
Attack on Security Checkpoint
Residents reported that the security operatives were personnel from the State Security Service (SSS). The attackers also opened fire on local residents, killing at least three people and burning down approximately six houses within the community. Several residents informed reporters between Sunday and Monday night that the attackers were members of an illegal oil bunkering cartel operating in the area.
Motivation Behind the Attack
A resident who identified himself as Ifeanyi stated that the leader of the oil bunkering cartel initiated the assault in retaliation for the reported killing of one of his cartel members by the operatives during a recent raid on their bunkering camp near a river. "So he got angry, attacked and killed the two operatives, including their second-in-command. The operatives were wearing black attire. And because the security checkpoint is very close to Abacheke, they entered the community in anger and started shooting people who were not involved in the raid. They burnt many houses too, about six houses," he said in Pidgin English.
Casualties and Identification
Some residents claimed that eight people were killed, but this could not be independently verified. The identified victims include Isioma Osuwa, Noble Chikwado, and Melody Odiuko. The traditional ruler of the community, Bright Ikeji, initially requested time to provide details but later did not respond to follow-up calls or messages.
Police and SSS Responses
A senior police officer in Imo State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack and stated that two SSS operatives and three residents were killed by suspected members of the illegal oil bunkering cartel. However, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, directed inquiries to the SSS, stating he preferred not to comment on matters involving another security agency. The SSS spokesperson, Favour Dozie, denied that any SSS operatives were killed, asserting that security personnel in black attire are not exclusively SSS operatives.
Background of Oil Bunkering in the Area
Abacheke is among several communities in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area that border Rivers State, a region rich in oil. Illegal oil bunkering is rampant in these communities. In April 2022, over 100 people died in an explosion at an illegal crude oil refinery in the Abaezi forest within the same local government area. That incident prompted then-President Muhammadu Buhari to order security agencies to intensify crackdowns on illegal refineries. In 2024, five suspected vandals were burned beyond recognition in another oil bunkering-related explosion in Obitti, also in Ohaji-Egbema.
