OWERRI – The Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State came under a violent attack on Wednesday by gunmen believed to be herdsmen, resulting in the deaths of at least five residents.
Several others sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, while three individuals were reportedly kidnapped.
Eyewitnesses from the community, who requested not to be named for security reasons, said the attackers arrived heavily armed and began shooting at residents without warning. This latest incident marks the third such assault on the Agwa community within two weeks.
In earlier attacks, sporadic gunfire left multiple people severely injured, including a pregnant woman. Residents say the area has suffered relentless attacks for the past two years, with repeated cases of killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
“The herders have taken over our farmlands and destroyed our crops. Since the beginning of the year, more than 20 people have been kidnapped. They were only released after large ransom payments,” a local source explained. “Yesterday, they returned and opened fire again. Five people were killed, three were kidnapped, and many were injured.”
Despite multiple reports to law enforcement, locals say the community has received little protection or intervention.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and outlined the police response.
“In response to the June 4, 2025, incident in Agwa community, where three people were killed and others injured, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s Tactical Units,” Okoye stated. “These units are working closely with other security agencies and local vigilantes to locate and apprehend those responsible.”
He added that the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of operations, has initiated a targeted search of forested and high-risk areas believed to be hideouts for the assailants.
The Police Commissioner condemned the violence and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
