Intersociety Blames Jihadist Herdsmen for Imo Killings, Rejects IPOB Allegations

A civil rights organization, the International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has disputed claims that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were responsible for the recent violent attacks on three communities in Imo State. Instead, the group has pointed fingers at jihadist herdsmen fleeing forests in Anambra State.

While police authorities had earlier attributed the killings — which left over seven people dead — to IPOB operatives, Intersociety asserted that the real perpetrators were jihadist elements who fled community manhunts in Anambra on July 22 and 23. The affected communities include Umualaoma, Ndi-Ejezie, and Ndi-Akunwanta-Uno in Ideato North Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by key officials, including Emeka Umeagbalasi and three other department heads, the group explained that armed herdsmen, under pressure from vigilant youths in Umunze and Umuchu, retreated into Imo territory and carried out deadly attacks. According to the group, the vigilante operations were sparked by the abduction of two locals, leading to the arrest of an Igbo informant allegedly working with the herders.

Eyewitness accounts and local leaders from Umunze, Umuchu, and Umualaoma supported the claim, citing prior reports of suspicious nocturnal movements between the forests of Anambra and Imo. The massacre reportedly began around 8 p.m. on July 24 at Nkwo-Umualaoma Square, where about 12 people were killed — including locals relaxing at food joints and playing games. The assailants, said to be dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, moved on to Ndi-Ejezie, killing 14, before ending the rampage in Ndi-Akunwanta-Uno, where four more lives were lost.

Intersociety named several victims, including tailor Chiamaka Omego, entertainer Ifeanyi (Udoakpuenyi), and chemist store owner Sabina. Also listed were Nonso Mbaoma, who had returned for his mother’s memorial, and a couple shot outside their restaurant.

The group also raised alarm over the kidnapping of six Anambra law graduates en route to Yola, Adamawa State, where they were to resume studies at the Nigerian Law School. The abduction reportedly occurred on Saturday, July 26. Intersociety has called on Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and other regional authorities to ensure their safe release, stressing the immense potential of the abducted young lawyers.

Additionally, the group demanded the disbandment of the Ndikeokwu-Uli Vigilante Group in Anambra, accusing it of unlawful cross-border killings in Egbuoma, Oguta LGA of Imo State, with at least ten deaths linked to the group since 2022.