By Emmanuel Iheaka
OWERRI — Two persons have been killed by suspected armed bandits while inspecting a parcel of land in Irete Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
A source in the community, who pleaded anonymity, said the victims, accompanied by two others, had gone to inspect the land when the hoodlums allegedly attacked and shot them dead on Monday.
One of the deceased was identified as Chigaemezu Ozuzu, a member of a local vigilante group.
The source alleged that suspected herders had been terrorising Irete and neighbouring communities, forcing some farmers to abandon their farmlands.
“The people went to inspect a land for sale. They were four in number; one of them is a woman.
“Two of them escaped and alerted the community. This thing is getting out of hand. They have been terrorising our community and neighbouring communities. We are now scared to go to farm,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, had ordered the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to the area.
In a statement, Okoye said the deployment followed recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Owerri West and Oguta local government areas.
He said the operation covers Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities.
According to him, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit have been deployed with available operational assets, in collaboration with community vigilantes, to intensify intelligence-led operations and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The action follows the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, 14 September 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,” the statement read.
The commissioner charged the deployed personnel to remain vigilant, proactive and professional, stressing that the command would not allow criminal elements to establish a foothold in any part of the state.
He also directed the operatives to work closely with community vigilantes and other relevant stakeholders.
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