Gunmen Attack Vigilante, Kill Two in Imo State

At least two people died on Monday when gunmen believed to be herders invaded Umunjo, a community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

A video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES shows the bodies of the victims in the community. Another clip shows young people in the area visibly upset as they retrieved the bodies from the attack site.

Witnesses named one of the victims as Chigaemezu Ozuzu, a vigilante operative. Sources said that Mr Ozuzu and two other vigilante members had gone with land agents and buyers to check a property when the attackers opened fire.

As of Monday night, there were reports that some people from the inspection visit were still missing. Residents believe the gunmen may have kidnapped them during the attack. However, PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm this.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday night. Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, did not name either of the two victims.

He also did not confirm that the gunmen had kidnapped anyone during the attack. He said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, ordered immediate security operations in Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas due to recent security issues, including kidnappings.

Mr Okoye condemned the attack and the deaths of the victims. He mentioned that the new security deployment includes the areas of Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi, and nearby communities across the two local government areas.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit have been deployed with available operational assets. They will work with community vigilantes to carry out intelligence-led operations and catch the criminals,” he said.

Mr Bosso told the personnel to stay alert, proactive, and professional. He promised that the police would not let criminals gain ground in any part of the state.

The commissioner reassured the residents of Owerri West, Oguta Local Government Areas, and nearby communities that the police are dedicated to protecting lives and property.

He also said that the operatives would use all necessary and lawful measures to reduce crime in the areas affected. Mr Bosso urged Imo State residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious activities or people to the police for swift action.

“Security is everybody’s business. Timely and credible information is key to preventing crime and catching offenders,” he stated.