How Armed Herdsmen Attack Imo Communities

DDM NEWS

1. 

   Herdsmen

Villagers in Umunobo, Nkwu-Emeke, and Akalovu communities in Emekuku, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, have raised concerns over the presence of masked herdsmen reportedly carrying firearms near their farmlands.

This recent development has sparked fear and panic among the residents, who are worried about their safety and security

According to reports, eight masked men believed to be herdsmen were seen advancing towards the village from the surrounding bushes, armed with AK-47 rifles.

This incident is not isolated, as similar attacks have been reported in other parts of Imo State.

In June 2025, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Agwa and other communities in the Oguta Local Government Area, leaving several people dead and many others injured.

A pregnant woman, Joy Osita Achugwo, was shot and is currently battling for survival in a hospital.

In August 2013, armed Fulani herdsmen opened fire on villagers in Umuekune village of Irete community in Owerri West Local Government Area, wounding several people.

The incident occurred when the villagers attempted to stop the herdsmen’s cattle from grazing on their farmlands.

Two of the injured victims were on the danger list, and the situation was worsened by a gun duel between the herdsmen and youths of the community.

The Imo State Police Command has responded to the recent incident, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed divisional police officers from Owerri Urban, New Owerri, and Owerri North, along with members of the Special Intervention Squad, to the area.

The police are working in collaboration with Nigerian Army personnel to maintain security and guarantee the safety of the residents

The villagers have expressed concerns about the increasing insecurity in the area, citing the destruction of crops and properties by the herdsmen’s cattle.

They have demanded that the government take immediate action to address the situation and protect their lives and properties.

The traditional ruler of the Mbano Agwa autonomous community, HRH Eze Sylvester Onuegbu, has condemned the actions of the herdsmen, expressing regret over the operation of the herdsmen in the area and calling for quick intervention from the government and security agencies.

The presence of armed herdsmen in Imo State has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the residents.

The government needs to take immediate action to address the situation, protect the lives and properties of the people, and prevent further attacks.

The deployment of security operatives to the area is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the security of the residents.

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