Herdsmen Attack in Imo Claims One Life, Triggers Fear and Security Concerns in Eziobodo
E-ISSN:2354-4481
By Cynthia Ezinne Beatrice
One person has reportedly lost his life while several others were allegedly abducted following a violent attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Eziobodo community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on Wednesday night.
The incident, which occurred along the Eziobodo-Ihiagwa axis, has thrown residents into panic and renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of the state. Community members described the attack as traumatic, noting that it disrupted movement and commercial activities in the area for several hours.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the community at about 9 p.m., firing sporadically and creating confusion among motorists and residents. The attackers were said to have mounted a blockade near Jamel Hotel at the entrance of Eziobodo, preventing commuters travelling between Ihiagwa and Eziobodo from accessing their homes safely.
A resident of the area, Emmanuel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the continuous gunfire lasted for nearly an hour, forcing many residents to remain indoors in fear.
“Yesterday, May 13, was a terrible experience for people in the Eziobodo community. The shooting started around 9 p.m. and continued for a long time. Many people returning from the neighbouring Ihiagwa community could not get home because the suspected armed herdsmen blocked the road completely,” he said.
He further disclosed that reports circulating within the community indicated that one person was killed during the attack, while others sustained gunshot injuries and an unspecified number of persons were taken away by the assailants.
“Honestly, all is not well in the usually peaceful Eziobodo and Ihiagwa communities. Residents are living in fear following repeated attacks allegedly linked to armed herdsmen,” he added.
Another resident from the neighbouring Ihiagwa community, identified simply as Sam, called on community leaders and local vigilante groups to intensify surveillance and collaborate closely with security agencies to identify criminal hideouts within the area.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, makeshift camps, or unusual activities in surrounding bushes and farmlands to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and stated that security had been reinforced in both Eziobodo and Ihiagwa communities to prevent further attacks.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants attempted to abduct a victim but were resisted through the swift intervention of police operatives, local vigilante groups, and members of the community who mobilised in large numbers.
Okoye explained that during the confrontation, one victim sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken to a medical facility where treatment is ongoing.
“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to intensify proactive policing strategies across the state,” the police spokesperson stated.
The latest incident has once again raised political and social concerns over rural security, the activities of armed criminal groups, and the growing calls for stronger intelligence gathering and community-based security coordination in Imo State.
