Residents of Agwa Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State are living in fear following a violent attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on Wednesday, which left at least five people dead and several others injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the heavily armed herders invaded the oil-rich area, taking over farmlands and major roads. The attackers reportedly began their rampage in Umuekpu town, Mbano Agwa autonomous community, where a young man was shot dead, and his elder brother severely wounded.
The attackers went on to kill four more people, including a young woman and commercial motorcycle riders along the Okwu Ogbaku road. Three persons were also abducted during the assault and remain in captivity.
Sources in the community revealed that this is not the first time Agwa has come under siege. Two weeks ago, similar attacks in Umuekpu and Obeakuma towns left a pregnant woman and several others injured. Residents say the violence has become routine over the past two years, with herdsmen frequently blocking roads with cattle to ambush and kidnap commuters, especially along the Amakohia Ubi-Agwa, Obibi Ogbaku-Agwa, Okwu Ogbaku-Agwa, and Ejemekwuru-Agwa roads.
Reports also allege that the herders often rape women, destroy farmlands, and extort ransom from kidnapped victims’ families. Since January, over 20 people have been abducted, with ransom payments demanded for their release.
Community members say the assailants regularly fire sporadic gunshots at night to instill fear, while releasing their cattle to ravage crops and economic trees. Many farmers have abandoned their land, citing fears of abduction or violence.
“This has been going on for too long. We’re living in fear every day,” one resident said. “If the government doesn’t act fast, the youth may be forced to retaliate.”
The traditional ruler of Mbano Agwa autonomous community, HRH Eze Sylvester Onuegbu, confirmed the attacks and decried the worsening insecurity in his domain. He lamented that his people can no longer go to their farms due to constant fear of assault and kidnapping.
According to him, the matter has been reported to relevant authorities including the Imo State Government, the Police, DSS, and local leaders of the Hausa community, but the herders still returned after a brief withdrawal.
Also reacting, the Agwa Central Union (ACU) condemned the attacks and issued a strong appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Oguta LGA Chairman Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, and all security agencies to intervene urgently and expel the herders from Agwa land.
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
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