INSECURITY: IMO COMMUNITIES PROTEST OVER ALLEGED HERDSMEN ATTACKS AND KIDNAPPINGS

Read Time:1 Minute, 32 Second

By:Tajudeen Aminat

Three communities in Imo State — Ezi-Obodo, Ezi-Okele, and Ihiagwa in Owerri West Local Government Area — have staged a peaceful protest over rising insecurity, including alleged kidnappings and killings linked to suspected herders operating in the area.

Residents, including youths, women, elders, and community leaders, marched through major roads within the communities carrying placards to express their anger over what they described as worsening security challenges.

Speaking during the protest, the Councillor representing Eziobodo/Ezi Okele Ward 5, Chijioke Echendu, condemned the situation, describing it as one of the most disturbing waves of insecurity in recent times.

He called on security agencies and the state government to urgently intervene and protect residents, noting that criminals were allegedly operating from surrounding forests and bushes.

The councillor also dismissed viral social media claims that about 40 people were killed in Eziobodo, describing the report as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic.

He acknowledged incidents of kidnapping and attacks in parts of Owerri West but said they had been exaggerated, stressing that local vigilante groups and police operatives regularly patrol the area.

He cited recent cases, including the alleged abduction of an okada rider and passenger near the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) back gate, as well as another incident in which a woman and her daughter were reportedly kidnapped while travelling from Ihiagwa to Eziobodo.

He also noted that an okada rider was shot during an attempted abduction and later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, while four others reportedly sustained machete injuries.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command confirmed the deployment of security personnel to the area, saying tactical units and the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit are conducting regular patrols.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye urged residents to report security threats promptly, providing emergency contact numbers for quick response.