Herdsmen kill two in Imo community attack - Punch Newspapers

Fear has gripped residents of the Umunjo community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, following an attack by suspected herdsmen that left a vigilante operative and another man dead on Monday. The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and deployed additional security operatives to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following recent security concerns, including reported cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities. The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, also condemned the killings and directed relevant units to intensify efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday night. Okoye said the deployment followed “the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, September 14, 2026, by suspected armed bandits.” Videos circulating on social media showed the corpses of the two men lying in pools of blood a few metres apart. According to eyewitnesses in the community, the deceased vigilante operative had escorted the unidentified man to the area to inspect a property before they were attacked. A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers appeared to be herdsmen. He said, “Herdsmen have attacked the Irete community again and this is getting too much. These people came to inspect a property before the incident. Our community is safe, but these herdsmen want to make it a threat. “One is a vigilante operative from his dressing, but we are yet to confirm the identity of the man he escorted to this place.” Irete has recently recorded attacks targeting prospective property buyers and real estate agents, according to residents. The community source alleged that about four people had lost their lives in separate incidents after being attacked while inspecting properties in the Irete area. Ransom economy: How kidnappers turn northern families’ pain into profit Kaduna reclaims 500,000 hectares from bandits, commissioner says Security forces kill terrorists, recover weapons in Kebbi raid Meanwhile, some residents have reportedly fled the Umunjo community for fear of further attacks or possible questioning by security operatives. Residents appealed to security agencies to restore normalcy to the area and apprehend the fleeing attackers. In his statement, Okoye said the police commissioner had ordered “the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities.” He said the deployment covered Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities. According to him, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit had been deployed with available operational assets and would work with community vigilantes to intensify intelligence-led operations and apprehend criminal elements. “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 Commissioner charged the deployed personnel to remain vigilant, proactive and professional, stressing that the command will not allow criminal elements to establish a foothold in any part of the state. “The operatives have also been directed to work closely with community vigilantes and other relevant stakeholders,” Okoye said. Bosso assured residents of Owerri West, Oguta and adjoining communities that the police command remained committed to protecting lives and property and would take all necessary lawful measures to contain criminal activities in the affected areas. The command also urged members of the public to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police or the nearest security formation. “Security is everybody’s business, and timely, credible information remains essential to preventing crime and apprehending offenders,” the statement added. Uche Okere

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