Fear has gripped the people of Amakohia-Ubi community in Owerri West LGA of Imo State after suspected armed herdsmen launched an attack on Wednesday evening, leaving one person dead and several others either injured or missing.The victim, Monday Nwaozuzu, popularly known as Ojo Ola, was a member of the community’s vigilance group. The tragic incident happened around 6:30 p.m., forcing many villagers to run into neighbouring communities for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the trouble started when the vigilance team tried to stop herders from grazing their cattle on farmlands close to the community college. The confrontation quickly escalated into heavy gunfire.
“One of our brothers, Monday, was killed instantly. Others are still missing. Some sustained injuries, though we don’t know how many yet. What is frightening is that when we called the phone of one missing man this morning, it was a herdsman who answered,” a villager narrated.
Search operations are ongoing, but the missing persons are yet to be found. Security operatives have also visited the scene, though the Police PRO, Henry Okoye, is yet to release an official statement.
The body of the deceased has been taken to an undisclosed morgue.
This latest attack adds to the growing list of violent clashes between herders and farmers in Imo State, which locals say have become more frequent in recent times.
May the soul of the deceased rest in peace.
