Herdsmen attack commuters in Imo, killing one and abducting several others.

By Chidi Nkwopara

One person was killed and several others abducted after armed herdsmen attacked the Eziobodo community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday night.

The incident, which is not the first of its kind in the area, has heightened tension, pain and confusion among residents, according to Vanguard.

A local resident, Emmanuel (surname withheld), told Vanguard by phone that the violence began around 9 pm on May 13, when gunshots rang out for about an hour.

He added that people traveling from the neighbouring community of Ihiagwa to Eziobodo were unable to return home because the suspected Fulani herdsmen blocked the road. “The armed, heartless criminals laid siege near Jamel Hotel, at the entrance to Eziobodo,” he said.

Emmanuel reported that one person was killed and others received gunshot wounds, but the exact number of abducted individuals was unknown at the time of the interview.

“Honestly, all is not well in the usually peaceful, rural Eziobodo and Ihiagwa communities following the hostilities visited by armed herdsmen,” he added.

Sam (surname withheld), an indigene of Ihiagwa who also confirmed the attack, urged community members to report any suspicious tents or shelters in farms or bushes to local leaders, who would then forward the information to security agencies.

Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Henry Okoye confirmed the incident and said the command had increased security presence in Ihiagwa and Eziobodo.

Okoye explained that preliminary reports indicate the attackers tried to abduct a victim, but the attempt was thwarted by the quick response of police, local vigilante groups and community members. “The victim sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately taken to a hospital where he is receiving treatment,” he said.

He added that the Imo State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will intensify proactive policing across the state.

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