Armed herdsmen have killed a commercial motorcyclist and abducted his female passenger in Owerri, Imo State, sparking outrage and calls for urgent security intervention. The incident occurred along the Ihiagwa-Amaeze road in Owerri North local council area.
Victim's Family Appeals for Help
According to reports, the kidnapped woman is a student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the wife of a family member. A relative named Ibenyenwa stated, "She was on her way to school when the ugly incident occurred. She was kidnapped by herdsmen operating on the Ihiagwa-Amaeze road." The slain motorcyclist was a native of Ihiagwa. "This is what we are passing through now," Ibenyenwa added.
Local Leaders Condemn Attack
The Nzuko Owere General Assembly has called for immediate action from security agencies. The association described the Amaeze-Ihiagwa Road and other rural routes in Owerri Federal Constituency as death traps. In a statement signed by National President Hon. Dan Ikpeazu and five others, they lamented that herdsmen terrorize farmers, students, traders, and transporters daily with impunity. The statement read: "The latest disturbing episode occurred along the Amaeze-Ihiagwa Road, where a commercial motorcycle operator from the Ihiagwa community was brutally butchered by armed assailants. In the same attack, a female student, who was his passenger, was abducted and taken to an unknown destination. This barbaric act is one killing too many. The lives of our people can no longer be treated as expendable."
Rising Violence in the Region
This attack follows a pattern of violence in the region. Earlier, nine people were killed in a coordinated attack by armed herdsmen in Agena community, Benue State. Markets and homes were destroyed, and several residents remain missing. Governor Hycinth Alia condemned the attack and warned against ongoing violence in the north-central state. In another incident, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed 13 people in Benue's Mbaikyor market attack, kidnapped market women, and set the market ablaze. Security forces have been mobilized to restore calm.
The repeated attacks have heightened fears among residents, who are demanding stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
