Family Alleges Police Neglect After Terrorist Attack in Imo State

Goodness Eke, sister of the late Chimuanya, says gunmen armed with special weapons and wearing army uniforms ambushed her brother as he rode a bike to buy medicine for his child in Eziobodo, Owerri. She states the attackers numbered over fifty, with some dressed entirely in black, and that they dragged victims into nearby bush before fleeing. Eke adds that the gunfire erupted without warning, leaving civilians scrambling for cover.

Chimuanya survived the initial shooting but waited more than an hour for help, during which vigilantes pleaded with police to transport him to a hospital. The police reportedly declined, saying it was not their duty to move civilians. Eke says the delay worsened her brother’s condition as he lay bleeding on the road.

He told his sister that the assailants carried special guns, wore army uniforms, and some were dressed all in black. He also recalled seeing victims being pulled into the bush, a tactic he said the gunmen used to avoid witnesses. His account matches descriptions from other residents who heard automatic fire that morning.

The family paid more than 200,000 naira for emergency scans and X‑rays at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Owerri. Eke explains that the money covered injections, drips, and blood tests ordered by doctors trying to stabilize Chimuanya. She notes that the sum represented a significant portion of the household’s monthly income.

After his death, police arrived the next morning, photographed the body, and recorded a tally of the corpse. Officers took pictures of the scene and noted identifying details for the mortuary register. Eke says the family received no explanation of why the tally was needed or how it would be used.

The delay in medical attention and the alleged refusal of police to assist raise questions about coordination between vigilantes, health workers, and law enforcement in rural attacks. Analysts say such gaps can turn survivable injuries into fatalities when emergency response is fragmented. The incident has prompted local leaders to review existing protocols for civilian assistance.

The sizable out‑of‑pocket cost highlights gaps in emergency care financing for victims of violence, especially when public facilities lack immediate resources. Health advocates argue that the government should expand free trauma services in conflict‑prone areas to prevent families from bearing catastrophic expenses. They also call for timely reimbursement schemes for emergency treatments.

Community leaders have called for a transparent inquiry into both the attack and the subsequent police response, urging authorities to clarify responsibilities. They request that the investigation include testimony from witnesses, medical staff, and the officers who arrived at the scene. The leaders say accountability is essential to restore trust in security institutions.

Authorities have announced an investigation into the incident; observers will monitor whether any officers face disciplinary action and whether new protocols are adopted for emergency assistance in conflict zones. They will also watch for any policy changes regarding funding of emergency medical services in rural hospitals. The outcome could shape how similar crises are handled across the state.