Residents of Agwa Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State are living in fear after suspected armed Fulani herdsmen killed five people in a brutal attack on Wednesday. Several others were injured, and at least three persons were reportedly kidnapped during the violent raid.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed Umuekpu village in the Mbano Agwa autonomous community, where a young man was shot dead and his elder brother left seriously wounded. The killings did not stop there. The armed herdsmen continued their rampage to Okwu Ogbaku road, murdering four more people, including a young woman and some commercial motorcyclists going about their daily work.
The gunmen, believed to be herdsmen, were said to be heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and machetes. They invaded farmlands and blocked major access roads, including the Amakohia Ubi–Agwa, Obibi Ogbaku–Agwa, and Ejemekwuru–Agwa routes. Locals say they use cattle to obstruct roads, forcing vehicles to slow down before launching attacks and abductions.
“This is becoming unbearable. We no longer go to our farms. These herdsmen shoot into the air at night. We can’t sleep anymore,” said one frightened resident.
This is not the first time Agwa has witnessed such horror. Just two weeks ago, suspected herdsmen invaded Umuekpu and Obeakuma communities, shooting a pregnant woman and others. Many of the victims from that attack are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Locals say the attacks are part of a growing pattern of violence that has lasted for over two years. They accuse the herdsmen of gradually taking over their lands, trampling crops, and destroying economic trees, bringing farming and local trade to a halt. So far this year, over 20 people have reportedly been kidnapped, many only released after paying heavy ransoms.
The traditional ruler of Mbano Agwa autonomous community, **HRH Eze Sylvester Onuegbu**, expressed deep sorrow over the killings and accused security agencies of turning a blind eye. He said that despite multiple reports to the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and state authorities, the herdsmen returned with even more violence.
“Our people are now living in fear and hunger. The hardship is too much. We have cried out to the authorities, but nothing has been done,” the monarch said.
The **Agwa Central Union (ACU)** also issued a strong statement on Thursday, calling on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Oguta LGA Chairman Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, the Nigerian Army, and other security forces to act swiftly.
“Our people are under siege. We are not at war, yet we are being killed and kidnapped in our own land. This evil must stop now,” the union stated.
Many residents have warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the situation could escalate into full-blown conflict.
“We are pushed to the wall. If the government doesn’t act, we might be forced to defend ourselves,” one local said, visibly shaken.
The Imo State Police Command is yet to issue an official response as of the time of this report. Meanwhile, fear and uncertainty continue to hang over Agwa as the people await government action to restore peace.
