Panic has gripped Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State following an attack by armed herdsmen that left one person dead and several others wounded or missing.
The victim, identified as Monday Nwaozuzu, popularly known as Ojo Ola, was a member of the local vigilance group.
Residents said the incident, which occurred around 6:30 p.m., forced many villagers to flee to neighbouring communities for safety.
Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the clash erupted after vigilance group members attempted to stop herders from grazing on farmlands near the community college.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
“One of our brothers, Monday, was killed instantly, while others are still missing. Some were wounded, and we don’t know the exact number yet.
What is more troubling is that when we called one of the missing men’s phones this morning, it was picked up by one of the herdsmen,” a villager said.
Community members said search efforts to locate the missing persons have so far been unsuccessful.
As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, Henry Okoye, had yet to issue an official statement.
However, security operatives were said to have visited the scene, while the deceased’s remains were deposited in an undisclosed morgue.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent clashes between herders and farmers in the area, which residents say have become increasingly frequent in recent months.