At least 30 people were killed when gunmen ambushed travelers along the Okigwe-Owerri road in southeastern Nigeria, setting fire to more than 20 vehicles in what Amnesty International described as a “vicious attack”.

Suspected Separatist Involvement

The attackers are suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a banned separatist group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria, where the majority of people belong to the Igbo ethnic group.

Amnesty International condemned the attack as showing “callous disregard for the sanctity of life”, urging Nigerian authorities to investigate transparently and ensure justice is served.

Police Response and Security Operations

Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed that the attack occurred early Thursday morning, but declined to comment on casualty figures. Authorities reported that one assailant was killed and security forces have launched a full-scale search operation, combing nearby forests to locate suspects.

Historical Context and Rising Separatist Tensions

The attack comes amid longstanding tensions in southeastern Nigeria, where separatist movements continue to call for an independent state. The Biafra conflict of the late 1960s resulted in over a million deaths, and IPOB has persisted in advocating for secession despite being outlawed by the Nigerian government.

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