Security operatives in Abia State have made a shocking discovery of no fewer than 34 decomposed corpses inside a forest along the Abia–Imo boundary. The bodies, believed to be victims of violent killings, were reportedly dumped in the dense forest between Umunneator (Abia State) and Aku, Okigwe (Imo State).
According to video evidence obtained by SaharaReporters, the victims were allegedly executed by a criminal faction linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The group is said to be led by a notorious figure known as “Gentle.”
Eyewitnesses claim the area served as an execution ground where abducted victims were taken before being brutally killed. In the video, vigilante operatives from Umunneator revealed that most victims had their hands tied with ropes and wires, while others were blindfolded before execution. “Anyone taken to this place doesn’t come out alive,” one of the operatives said.
At several spots in the forest, two to three skeletal remains were found together, raising suspicions that some victims may have been couples or groups kidnapped and executed at once.
The Role of “Gentle” and His Faction
Reports indicate that Gentle leads a faction allegedly associated with the Biafran Liberation Army (BLA), a breakaway armed group accused of terror activities in Nigeria’s South-East. Earlier in January 2025, Gentle appeared in viral videos vowing to continue attacks in the region until Nigeria “falls.” He also claimed he does not operate from a fixed camp, making him difficult for security forces to track.
Despite being on the wanted list of Nigerian security agencies, Gentle openly taunted authorities, insisting he could never be captured.
IPOB’s Position and Allegations
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from the killings, claiming that the so-called Biafra Liberation Army was created by the Nigerian government to impersonate ESN and justify terrorism charges against its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has spent nearly four years in custody.
IPOB further argued that security agencies ignored known criminal hideouts for years, including the notorious “Mother Valley” in Orsu and parts of Okigwe. The group called for expanded security operations into Aku forest, where another figure known as “Gentle Yahoo” is allegedly operating.
Ongoing Investigations
The shocking discovery has sparked widespread concern, with calls for a comprehensive investigation into the killings and stronger action against armed groups terrorizing communities in the South-East. Security agencies are yet to provide official updates on whether arrests have been made in connection with the grim find.
WATCH: https://t.co/kjRbr7otAfAbia Security Operatives Uncover 34 Corpses in Abia-Imo Border Forest
