Gunmen attack family, abduct son in Imo

In the early hours of 15 June 2018, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a group of masked and heavily armed men stormed the residence of Mr Whyteman Inyama in Umuokpo Amumara, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State. The assailants, who arrived in a Toyota Sienna bus, appeared to have specifically targeted Mr Inyama’s two sons, who were reportedly members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Upon gaining entry into the compound, the attackers unleashed gunfire, shooting Mr Whyteman and his wife, Grace Inyama, before setting their home ablaze. Amid the chaos, one of their sons was forcibly taken by the assailants. The attack left the family traumatised and severely injured, with no information regarding the whereabouts or condition of their abducted son.

This violent incident is part of a wider pattern of aggression against individuals suspected of supporting IPOB, highlighting the volatile and precarious security situation in Imo State for those linked to the movement. Facing ongoing threats and lacking protection from the authorities, the Inyama family was ultimately forced to flee their home in search of safety.

The attack raises serious concerns over the escalating violence in the region and the apparent inability of security agencies to prevent such targeted assaults on civilians.