Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator, has claimed responsibility for the killing of four police operatives in Owerri, Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Monday along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
Tony Onwumelu, a local shop owner, confirmed the attack, stating that the gunmen targeted the police at their checkpoint near Blossom Hotel, resulting in the death of four officers. In addition to the police operatives, the attackers also fatally shot a woman, a Point of Sale (PoS) machine operator, at close range.
Witnesses suggested that the attackers might be enforcing the illegal sit-at-home order, given their method of operation, and expressed concern over the increasing violence in the area.
In a post on his X handle shortly after the attack, Mr. Ekpa announced that his Biafra Defence Forces had carried out the assault, claiming to have recovered weapons from the operatives. He often refers to Nigerian security personnel as "terrorists" and demands the withdrawal of all Nigerian security forces from the Southeast.
A video clip attached to Mr. Ekpa's post showed rifles and police case files displayed by individuals who claimed to have attacked the police. The clip, however, did not reveal the faces of the speakers.
Mr. Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) called Autopilot and has been linked to several deadly attacks in the region. He declared a four-day sit-at-home order in the Southeast from 29 July to 2 August, excluding 1 August.
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There have been numerous calls for Mr. Ekpa's repatriation to Nigeria to face charges for his role in the region's insecurity. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other officials have urged for his extradition. The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and the Nigerian Senate have also sought cooperation from the Finnish government for his repatriation. However, the Finnish government has emphasized the need to consider Mr. Ekpa's rights as a Finnish citizen and adhere to Finnish legislation.
