Fear has gripped students, staff, and residents of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and surrounding areas in Imo State after reports of an invasion by heavily armed Fulani herdsmen.
Eyewitnesses say over 50 armed men on motorcycles stormed the Eziobodo and Ihiagwa areas near the university. They opened fire on residents in what many described as an ambush attack. Gunshots rang out for several minutes, causing students to run helter-skelter from hostels and lecture halls. Some people were reportedly injured, while others are said to be missing.
Many blamed the slow response of security agencies. Despite police posts and military checkpoints nearby, the attackers reportedly moved freely before disappearing into nearby bushes. The university community remains tense, with some students fleeing to safer areas.
On social media, reactions have been swift and angry. @Romeo_Onchain wrote: “Yesterday was not funny in FUTO. Students were running helter-skelter. Lives were lost, several injured, at least 4 kidnapped. The government must come to our aid now!”
@MAGNITUDE0003 added: “This is my area. Police and army are around but these Fulani men still entered with bikes. God we are finished!”@BadmanVizzy posted: “Small FUTO wey we dey manage. These Fulani herdsmen don come for us. This is serious!”
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, but residents are calling for urgent action to restore calm and protect lives.
