Date: May 14, 2026 l Reporter: Jan Porch
Residents of communities surrounding the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Imo State have been thrown into fear following renewed attacks by gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen operating around the area.
According to reports, the latest incident occurred in communities near FUTO, particularly along the Ihiagwa and Amaeze axis, where armed attackers reportedly opened fire on commuters and commercial motorcyclists. The attacks have intensified growing concerns over insecurity affecting students, residents, and road users in the area.
Witnesses said one commercial motorcyclist was shot during the attack while several residents fled for safety as gunshots echoed across the affected communities. Some locals alleged that the attackers invaded the area on motorcycles and operated for several minutes before security operatives and vigilante groups responded.
Reports also indicated that fear has spread among students of FUTO and residents living in nearby communities due to repeated incidents of violent attacks, kidnappings, and shootings linked to suspected herdsmen and armed gangs operating in the region.
The Imo State Police Command reportedly confirmed increased security deployment to Ihiagwa and surrounding areas following recent attacks and attempted abductions. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye stated that tactical operatives, vigilante groups, and local security teams had been mobilized to restore calm and track down the assailants.
Community leaders and residents have continued to raise alarm over deteriorating security conditions along rural roads within Owerri Federal Constituency, especially routes frequently used by students, farmers, traders, and transport operators. Several locals described the roads as dangerous and vulnerable to ambushes by armed groups.
The latest violence comes amid increasing reports of attacks linked to armed herdsmen and criminal gangs across parts of Nigeria, particularly in farming and rural communities where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security presence and government intervention.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not announced any arrests connected to the latest incident, while residents continued to appeal for urgent action to prevent further attacks around the FUTO host communities.