By Chidi Nkwopara
Two young men were reportedly killed, while others sustained varying gunshot wounds, when unidentified gunmen attacked them near the Secondary Technical School, Irete, Owerri West Local Council Area of Imo State.
Vanguard gathered that the incident, which occurred last Monday, has sent palpable shockwaves among residents of Irete and the surrounding communities of Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu and Amakohia-Ubi, where armed Fulani herdsmen have been terrorising for a long while.
A villager, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday on strict anonymity, said: “Four young men were in the area for inspection and surveillance when they came under attack. Two lay dead, while two others, who managed to escape when firing ceased, sustained varying degrees of injury.
“The dead includes a security personnel from Umunjo Irete, Chigaemezu Ozuzu, while the second victim is a native of Amakohia-Ubi. One of survivors is a member of Imo State Security Organization, working in Irete Vigilante.”
A woman, who simply identified herself as Mrs. Ogechi, wondered, “Why nobody is willing to save the community from the recurring anguish and loss of precious lives”.
Her words: “We are calling on both the state government and all security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operation in our area. We have swallowed more than our fair share of bashing from these armed men.”
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Henry Okoye, has confirmed the incident in a press statement.
He said: “The Commissioner of Police, CP, Audu Garba Bosso, has today ordered immediate deployment of enhanced security operations in Owerri West and Oguta local government areas, following recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“The deployment covers Ejemekwuru, Ogbaku, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities.
“The action follows the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete on September 14, 2026, by suspected armed bandits.
“CP Bosso has condemned the incident and directed the relevant units to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.”
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