In Imo State, violence erupted on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when unknown gunmen killed a young man in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area. This attack came less than a day after another violent incident in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, where four policemen and a Point of Sale operator were killed.

The attackers, who fired their guns in the air, moved towards the Owerri-Enugu Road and set ablaze an Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at Nkwo Orji Market. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen were shouting warnings for people to stay indoors and avoid going out during the sit-at-home period.

ASP Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the attacks and said that police forces have been heavily deployed in the affected areas. He reassured the public that efforts are underway to control the situation and that those responsible for these attacks will be held accountable.