Gunmen suspected to be armed herders stormed Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West LGA of Imo State on Wednesday evening, killing two vigilante members. The attack happened around 6:30 p.m., throwing the community into panic.

Residents fled in droves to neighbouring towns, leaving behind homes and farms. The slain vigilante leader, Monday Nwaozuzu, was shot dead on the spot.

“The dead, wounded, and missing persons are all members of our community vigilante group. Monday Nwaozuzu was killed by the herdsmen,” said Mr Paul, a resident.

Another resident, who declined to be named, said the clash began when vigilantes tried to stop herders from entering farmlands near a school.

“It is routine for our vigilantes to guard our farms. Yesterday, they encountered the herders and asked them to turn back, but they refused,” he said.

“Unknown to our men, the herders were fully armed. Suddenly, they opened fire, killing Monday and injuring another. Since then, we have been combing the bushes, searching for those missing.”

Locals suspect some vigilante members were abducted. One resident said a suspected herder answered a missing vigilante’s phone when called the next morning.

“For now, no one can say whether our brothers are dead or just abducted. This is not the first time our community has suffered such attacks,” he lamented.

Police Begin Investigation

Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack. He said one vigilante died instantly, while the other died in hospital.

“The police have begun an investigation and the attackers will be tracked down,” Okoye assured.

Security operatives have visited the scene. The body of the slain vigilante leader has been deposited in a morgue.

The attack has restarted the debate on herder-farmer clashes. It will be recalled that Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North) is pushing a bill to establish ranches in all 774 LGAs and the FCT.

Some Nigerians oppose the idea, citing past failures and fears of land grabbing. Several states have banned open grazing, yet herders still roam freely.

In June, IPOB rejected President Tinubu’s ranching proposal. “This absurdity is uniquely Nigerian, and disgracefully so,” the group said.

IPOB, which seeks an independent Biafra, denies involvement in South-east violence. The federal government, however, prefers to blame the group for attacks, even while some state governments have often deferred.

The herder-farmer conflict has left thousands dead and displaced. In Benue State, a recent attack on the Aye-Twar community destroyed homes and left many internally displaced people in camps in their own country.

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