Residents of Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, and neighboring communities near the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), are gripped by fear following a series of violent attacks by suspected assailants. The incidents have sparked widespread panic among students and locals alike.
Recent Attacks and Casualties
According to reports, clashes between rival cult groups on Monday allegedly resulted in the deaths of two students and left several others with serious injuries. Additionally, on Wednesday night, further attacks were recorded, heightening tensions in the area.
During a visit to the affected communities, residents voiced their concerns about personal safety and appealed to security agencies, including the police and local vigilante groups, to urgently restore order and apprehend those responsible.
Residents Speak Out
“We don’t know what is really happening. Two days ago, there were clashes between cult groups in which two students were reportedly shot dead, and just last night, we heard several gunshots and reports of abductions by suspected herdsmen along the Eziobodo Road,” said a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“Honestly, nobody is safe here. We don’t know what could happen the next minute. We are yet to get encouraging responses from either the police or local security personnel regarding the arrest of those behind this tension,” the resident added.
Police Response
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the command, under Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso, has reinforced security in the area. Personnel have been deployed to launch a manhunt for the attackers and strengthen the security presence.
Okoye assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive policing across the state.
“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has assured residents of their safety and ordered the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical and intelligence assets, to the area and its environs to enhance security visibility and ensure the swift arrest of the miscreants responsible for the attack,” Okoye said.
“The command further assures residents that the situation is under control, while coordinated intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track and apprehend all those involved in the attack. Adequate security measures have also been put in place to prevent future occurrences.
“The public is urged to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.”
HURIWA Calls for Governor’s Focus
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to step aside from partisan political activities and concentrate on governance. The group alleged that Uzodimma’s involvement in nationwide political campaigns for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu has adversely affected governance and security management in the state.
HURIWA argued that the governor should allow his deputy to take charge to ensure more focused administration. The group further alleged that intelligence reports indicated the presence of armed Fulani militants hiding in forests across Imo State under the guise of herders.
HURIWA also criticized security agencies, including the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of failing to prevent the attacks despite their significant presence in the state.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA questioned the delayed response of security operatives during the attacks, as allegedly reported by eyewitnesses. The organization called for improved military and intelligence operations focused on combating violent criminal groups.
Additionally, HURIWA urged the Imo State government to register cattle owners, monitor their activities, and prohibit open grazing in towns and cities to safeguard residents and farmers.
