According to a report by Vanguard, panic gripped Agwa and Amakohia-Ubi communities in Imo State on Thursday night as gunmen suspected to be herders launched a violent attack, firing sporadically and injuring at least one resident.
The attack, which occurred along the boundary separating Oguta and Owerri West Local Government Areas, forced many villagers to abandon their homes in search of safety.
Eyewitness accounts from Amakohia-Ubi painted a scene of chaos and fear. A resident, who declined to be named, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire without provocation.
He linked the assault to ongoing tensions over grazing land and repeated incidents involving destruction of crops by cattle.
“There have been herdsmen attacks in Amakohia-Ubi, Owerri West LGA since yesterday. Before now, they would bring their cattle to eat up crops in our farms, and our security men would chase them away. But yesterday, they resurfaced from our boundary with Agwa in Oguta LGA and began shooting sporadically,” he explained.
According to him, the fear of another assault left many residents, particularly those near the affected boundary, too frightened to remain in their homes overnight.
One man was reportedly shot during the incident and is currently receiving medical care for serious injuries.
In Agwa, another community member expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s inaction and failure to address the persistent threats.
“Look at what is happening. Anyone who speaks out about it becomes a target instead of the issue being addressed. There is tension and apprehension everywhere, and the authorities are not concerned,” he said.
The communities are now appealing for immediate government and security intervention to prevent further violence and ensure the protection of lives and property.
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