(Peaceful Protesters. Photo by Nation Newspaper)
Three communities in Imo State Ezi-Obodo, Ezi-Okele, and Ihiagwa, all located in Owerri West Local Government Area have staged a peaceful protest over a surge in insecurity, particularly kidnappings and killings allegedly carried out by herders operating in the area.
The demonstration drew participation from youths, women, elders, and community leaders, who marched through major roads carrying placards to express their concerns over what they described as a deteriorating security situation.
Speaking to journalists at the protest, the Councillor representing Eziobodo/Ezi-Okele Ward 5, Chijioke Echendu, condemned the situation and called on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently to protect residents from criminal elements hiding in the forests and bushes surrounding the communities.
He also moved to debunk claims circulating on social media alleging that around 40 people had been killed in Eziobodo, describing such reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
While acknowledging that isolated incidents of kidnapping and attacks had occurred in parts of Owerri West, he stressed that these should not be exaggerated or misrepresented as a full-scale invasion or massacre.
He noted that local vigilante groups and officers from the Owerri West Police Division regularly conduct joint patrols in the area.
Among the specific incidents cited, one involved the abduction of an Okada rider and his passenger near the back gate of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
In another incident, a woman and her daughter were reportedly kidnapped while travelling from Ihiagwa to Eziobodo.
During a subsequent attack along the same route, suspected criminals shot an Okada rider who later died at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, while four other people sustained machete injuries as the assailants attempted to stop motorcycles conveying passengers.
In response, the Imo State Police Command confirmed through its spokesperson Henry Okoye that security personnel had been deployed to the area.
He noted that preliminary investigations suggested some suspected assailants had attempted an abduction but were repelled by security forces working alongside local vigilante groups.
Okoye added that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, together with other tactical squads, are conducting regular patrols in the area. He also urged residents to report any security concerns to the police via the provided emergency contact numbers.