Panic gripped residents of Eziobodo, host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, on Wednesday night after suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded the area, injuring several persons, including a minor.
The attack, which occurred around 9 p.m., also triggered a security response from operatives of the Imo State Police Command and local vigilantes, who later restored calm to the community.
Sources said the assailants stormed the area on more than 20 motorcycles, riding recklessly and causing panic among residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, stating that the gunmen attempted to abduct a resident but were resisted by locals and security operatives.
The spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, said he would provide further details after obtaining more information on the incident. He had yet to revert as of the time of filing this report.
Although no death was recorded, several persons were reportedly injured, including a minor said to be receiving treatment for a deep machete wound to the head.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many people were preparing to retire for the night when they noticed an unusual movement of motorcycles speeding through the community.
The development forced residents to flee for safety, while commercial motorcyclists from neighbouring Ihiagwa reportedly stopped to observe the situation.
According to the source, the attackers attempted to abduct a man, but members of the Ihiagwa Vigilante Group pursued them and rescued the victim, who sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Owerri.
“The herdsmen came with many motorbikes and kidnapped a man. But because of the manner they arrived, they drew attention to themselves. The Ihiagwa Vigilante team chased them and rescued the victim, though the attackers escaped,” the source said.
A commercial motorcyclist also claimed he and his passenger were attacked while heading to Eziobodo, but he managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot injuries.
Meanwhile, the police said operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, alongside other tactical and intelligence teams, had been deployed to Eziobodo, Ihiagwa and surrounding communities to enhance security and track down the attackers.
Okoye said preliminary investigations showed that the attempted abduction was foiled through the collaborative efforts of police operatives, vigilantes and community members who mobilised swiftly to confront the assailants.
“During the incident, the victim sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a hospital where the victim is currently receiving medical attention,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, had ordered intensified security operations in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
“The Imo State Police Command has strengthened security deployment in Ihiagwa and adjoining communities in Owerri West LGA following a failed abduction attempt that occurred on the night of May 13, 2026, along Umuokwo Ihiagwa/Eziobodo Road,” Okoye stated.
“The command assures residents that the situation is under control, while coordinated intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track and apprehend all those involved in the attack. Adequate security measures have also been put in place to forestall future occurrences.”
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Okoye reiterated that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state through proactive policing and rapid response operations.
