Suspected herders kill vigilante operative, one other in Imo

At least two people, including a vigilante operative, were killed on Monday when suspected herders invaded Umunjo, a community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

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PREMIUM TIMES obtained a video clip showing bodies of the slain victims in the community.

Another clip showed some visibly distressed youths in the community retrieving the bodies from the scene of the incident.

Witnesses identified one of the slain victims as Chigaemezu Ozuzu, a vigilante operative.

Sources told this newspaper on Monday night that Mr Ozuzu and two other vigilante operatives had accompanied land agents and prospective buyers to inspect a property at a location when the attackers opened fire on them.

There were reports that some of the people who took part in the inspection visit were still missing as of Monday night, with residents saying the gunmen might have abducted them during the attack.

However, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the claim.

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Police speak

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday night.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, did not however identify any of the two slain victims.

The spokesperson did not also specifically confirm that the gunmen abducted some victims during the attack.

He simply said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, has ordered immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following recent “security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping.”

Mr Okoye said Mr Bosso has condemned the attack and killing of the victims.

The police spokesperson said the deployment covers Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities which cut across the two local government areas.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, has been deployed with available operational assets in collaboration with community vigilantes to intensify intelligence-led operations and apprehend criminals.

“The action follows the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, 14 September 2026, by suspected armed bandits,” he said.

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Mr Bosso, he said, equally charged the deployed personnel to remain vigilant, proactive and professional, and vowed that the police in the state would not allow criminals to establish a foothold in any part of the state.

The commissioner reassured residents of Owerri West, Oguta Local Government Areas and adjoining communities that the police in the state were committed to protecting lives and property.

The police chief assured that the operatives would take all necessary and lawful measures to contain criminal activities in the affected areas.

He urged residents of Imo State to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police for action.

“Security is everybody’s business, and timely, credible information remains essential to preventing crime and apprehending offenders,” he said.