By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
An attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Wednesday evening left one person dead and several others wounded or missing in Amakohia-Ubi, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State.
The violence has sparked fear, prompting residents to flee to neighbouring communities.
The victim, Monday Nwaozuzu, also known as Ojo Ola, was a member of the community’s vigilance group.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when local vigilantes tried to prevent herders from grazing on farmland near the community college, triggering a gunfight.
“One of our brothers, Monday, was killed instantly, while others are still missing,” a resident said. “Some were wounded, and when we called one of the missing men’s phones this morning, a herdsman answered.”
Efforts to locate the missing remain ongoing, though the exact number of injured and missing is still unclear.
Security operatives reportedly visited the scene, and the deceased’s body has been taken to an undisclosed mortuary.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, has yet to release an official statement.
This incident is the latest in a string of violent clashes between herders and local farmers in the area, a trend residents say has intensified in recent months.
