Residents of Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State were thrown into panic early Monday morning when suspected herdsmen launched another invasion, firing sporadic gunshots as they moved through the area.
This latest attack comes just nine days after a previous incident in which a woman was injured during a similar incursion. That earlier confrontation reportedly occurred when community members attempted to stop herders from grazing cattle on farmlands.
Eyewitnesses reported that the armed herders destroyed several farmlands during Monday’s attack, damaging crops including cassava, plantain, and banana. The affected areas were left covered with cattle footprints and droppings.
A resident, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, described the terrifying ordeal: “Herdsmen came to Mbano and Umuekpu Agwa around 3 a.m. and started shooting sporadically. They destroyed our crops—cassava, plantain, banana. This situation is becoming unbearable. It reminds us of the tragic loss of two of our sons, Ozoemele Iriaka and Chukwuemeka Nnorom. It’s distressing that these incidents are recurring without adequate response.”
The gunfire forced villagers to flee their homes for safety as the armed herders moved through the community.
At the time of reporting, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This marks the second such attack in under two weeks, raising concerns about escalating tensions between farmers and herders in the area. The community continues to call for increased security presence to prevent further attacks and protect their farmlands.
The previous attack on May 13 had already strained relations in the community, with residents expressing frustration over what they see as inadequate protection of their farmlands and livelihoods. The recurring violence has left many questioning the effectiveness of existing security measures in rural areas of Imo State.
