Fulani herdsmen reportedly invaded Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state on Wednesday night, injuring several persons, including a minor.
The attack, which occurred about 9 p.m., prompted a security response from Imo State Police Command officers and local vigilantes, who later restored order in the town.
According to sources, the perpetrators assaulted the area on over 20 motorcycles, riding wildly and generating panic among inhabitants.
Henry Okoye, the Imo State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, verified the occurrence, claiming that the gunmen attempted to abduct a resident but were met with resistance from villagers and security personnel.
Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, The spokesperson for the 34th Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said he would provide further details after obtaining more information on the incident.
Despite no death recorded, several persons were reportedly injured, including a minor said to be receiving treatment for a deep machete wound to the head.
A local, 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 led people to escape for their lives, while commercial motorcyclists from neighboring Ihiagwa apparently stopped to view the situation.
According to the source, the attackers attempted to kidnap a guy, but members of the Ihiagwa Vigilante Group tracked them and rescued the victim, who was injured and is now being treated at an Owerri hospital.
“The herdsmen came with many motorbikes and kidnapped a man. But because of the manner in which 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 stated that he and his passenger were attacked while riding to Eziobodo, but he was able to flee despite suffering bullet wounds.
Meanwhile, police said agents from the newly formed Violent Crime Response Unit, together with other tactical and intelligence teams, had been dispatched to Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, and adjacent towns to improve security and track down the attackers.
Okoye stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the attempted kidnapping was prevented by the combined efforts of police officers, vigilantes, and community people who mobilized quickly to confront the perpetrators.
“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 also mentioned 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 advised residents to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Okoye emphasized that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state through proactive policing and rapid response operations.
