Herdsmen Launch Third Attack In Two Weeks In Imo Community, Kill 5, Kidnap 3, Injure Many
Publish on June 5, 2025
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have carried out a brutal attack on the Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, killing at least five people, kidnapping three others, and injuring many residents.
According to sources, the attackers were heavily armed and opened fire indiscriminately during Wednesday’s assault. This marks the third violent attack on the community within two weeks.
A local source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the herdsmen have been terrorizing Agwa community for the past two years, frequently carrying out killings, kidnappings, and acts of sexual violence. The source added that over 20 people had been abducted since January 2025, with most released only after payment of substantial ransoms.
“They have taken over our farmlands and destroyed crops. Yesterday’s attack saw five people killed, three kidnapped, and many others seriously wounded,” the source said.
Despite repeated reports to security agencies, the community feels neglected, with little response to their pleas for protection.
In response, Imo State Police spokesperson Henry Okoye released a statement confirming deployment of tactical teams to Agwa. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has instructed the police tactical units, alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, to intensify efforts to track down the attackers.
Okoye’s statement further noted that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, has launched coordinated search operations targeting forest areas and known hideouts. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has also been directed to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The CP strongly condemns the violence and assures that those responsible will be brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
