Terror on the Highway: At Least 30 Killed in Brutal Attack in Southeastern Nigeria

May 14, 2025 | Imo State, Nigeria

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead following a gruesome highway ambush in southeastern Nigeria, as gunmen opened fire on travelers along the Okigwe-Owerri highway in Imo State.

According to reports from Amnesty International and local eyewitnesses, the assailants set more than 20 vehicles ablaze during the coordinated attack, leaving a trail of charred remains and chaos. Survivors described scenes of terror as armed men blocked the highway, indiscriminately shooting at moving vehicles and passengers attempting to flee.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility, authorities suspect involvement by the Eastern Security Network (ESN)—the armed wing of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization advocating for an independent Biafran state. The group has been linked to past violence in the region, although IPOB leadership has consistently denied involvement in attacks targeting civilians.

This latest bloodshed adds to a growing wave of insecurity in Nigeria’s southeastern states, which have witnessed a surge in violent incidents, assassinations, and attacks on security formations in recent years. Police and military forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers, while local hospitals remain overwhelmed with victims of gunshot wounds and burns.

The Nigerian federal government has condemned the attack, calling it “an assault on the unity of the nation.” In a swift diplomatic move, officials also confirmed that consultations are underway with Finnish authorities to take legal action against IPOB leaders residing abroad, particularly Simon Ekpa, who has been accused of inciting violence from exile.

Residents in the affected area have expressed fear and frustration, with many questioning the effectiveness of government security strategies. “We don’t sleep peacefully anymore. Every road trip feels like a death sentence,” said a local trader who narrowly escaped the incident.

The Imo State Government has pledged increased patrols and military presence, but analysts warn that without a broader political and economic approach to address the region’s grievances, violence may continue to escalate.

This devastating attack underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive security overhaul and a renewed focus on justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s troubled southeast.

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