Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen stormed the neighboring communities of Agwa and Amakohia-Ubi in Imo State late Sunday night, opening fire and causing widespread panic. The two areas, which lie along the boundary between Oguta and Owerri West Local Government Areas, experienced hours of chaos as frightened residents ran for cover.
According to a resident of Amakohia-Ubi who asked not to be named for safety reasons, the attackers came in large numbers and began shooting without any clear target. The resident noted that this could be linked to the community’s recent measures to stop herders from bringing their cattle to graze on farmlands.
“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 said.
One man was hit by a bullet during the gunfire and is currently being treated at a nearby hospital for serious injuries.
People living near the border between the two communities said they could not sleep through the night. Many were forced to stay awake, unsure if the gunmen would return or escalate the violence.
A local from Agwa community criticized what he called the government’s lack of concern over ongoing insecurity in the area.
“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.
This is not the first time these communities have come under attack. About three years ago, a local farmer named Mr. Ozoemele Iriaka was killed on his way to his farm during a similar incident. In 2023, another attack led to the death of a commercial motorcyclist after gunmen believed to be herdsmen opened fire.
Nearby areas such as Obokofia and Obosa Asaa in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area have also faced repeated violence. These incidents often follow attempts by locals to prevent herders from letting their cattle graze on crops.
