Tension has gripped the Amakohia-Ubi community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State following a deadly attack by suspected armed Fulani herders. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, left one vigilante leader dead and others missing or wounded.
According to eyewitnesses, the trouble started when vigilante members tried to prevent herders and their cattle from entering farmlands around the community college axis. The herders, who were allegedly fully armed, opened fire on the vigilantes, killing Monday Nwaozuzu, alias Ojo Ola, and injuring another.
The community has been combing the bushes, searching for those missing. Suspicion of abduction heightened when one of the vigilantes’ phone numbers was dialed, and a suspected herder answered the call. The community is on edge, fearing further attacks from the rampaging herders.
The spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, had not responded to inquiries on the attack as of press time. However, villagers confirmed that security operatives had visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment, and the body of the deceased vigilante leader had been deposited in a morgue.
The community remains on edge, with residents fleeing their homes in fear of further attacks. This incident is not an isolated case, as the community has suffered similar attacks in recent months. The situation highlights the need for urgent action to address the growing security challenges in the region.
