FUTO host communities under siege

• Youths stage protest over kidnappings, killings, attacks by suspected herdsmen

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

In recent times, there has been an upsurge in kidnappings and other violent crimes in the host communities of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), especially in Ihiagwa and Eziobodo in Owerri West council area of Imo state.

Even when the state government has outlawed open grazing, herdsmen have continued to graze their cattle in open fields, including open spaces within the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Over the night on May 13, 2026, there was a bedlam in Eziobodo community following a failed abduction attempt around Umuokwo Ihiagwa/Eziobodo road. The incident had set off an alarm, both in Ihiagwa and adjoining communities, as residents were gripped by fear, over rumoured invasion by Fulani herdsmen who have been fingered in several cases of kidnapping, killing, and robbery incidents around the university and its host communities.

According to the Imo State Police Command, the attempted abduction was successfully resisted through the prompt intervention and collaborative efforts of the police, local vigilante groups, and members of the community who mobilised swiftly and in large numbers, to frustrate the criminal operation. The failed kidnap victim later died from gunshot wounds he sustained in the course of the violent attack.

To enhance security, following the ugly incident, Police command ordered the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical and intelligence assets, to the area and its environs to enhance security visibility and ensure the swift arrest of the miscreants responsible for the attack.

Apparently, to calm the frayed nerves of parents and guardians whose wards are students of FUTO, majority of whom live in private lodges in Eziobodo and Ihiagwa, the university authorities took steps to address the situation.

In a statement signed by Chiedozie Uba (Registrar), the university said: “While the reported incidents did not occur within the university campus, the management considers every security concern within the neighbouring communities as important, and has continued to work closely with the state government and security agencies to ensure the safety of members of the university community at all times.”

The statement further read: “Students, parents, guardians, prospective candidates and general public are therefore encouraged to stay calm and be guided by verified information.”

Last Monday, youths from Eziobodo/Ezi-Okele communities held a peaceful protest over incessant killings, kidnappings, and attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen operating within the area.

Hon. Chijioke Echendu, Councillor representing Eziobodo/Ezi-Okele Ward 5, in the Owerri West Local Government Legislative Council, condemned the recurring security incidents within the area and appealed to security agencies, and Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene and protect residents from criminal elements operating within the forests and bushes surrounding the communities.

Echendu, however, debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that about 40 persons were killed in Eziobodo, describing the claim as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents and the general public.

He noted that there have been isolated incidents of kidnappings and attacks in parts of Owerri West, but that such incidents should not be exaggerated or misrepresented as a total invasion or massacre in Eziobodo.

The councillor disclosed that local vigilante groups, in collaboration with officers of the Owerri West Police Division, regularly conduct patrol operations within Eziobodo and neighbouring communities to safeguard lives and property.

Echendu further noted that traditional rulers within the area, including Eze Lucky Okoro and Eze Richard Osuji, alongside president generals of the affected communities, have not issued any evacuation notice or emergency security declaration concerning Eziobodo.

Speaking on recent incidents recorded within the area, Hon. Echendu explained that one of the reported attacks occurred around the FUTO back gate axis along the road linking Ihiagwa and FUTO, where an Okada rider and his passenger were allegedly kidnapped in April.

He clarified that although the rider was from Eziobodo, the incident did not amount to an invasion of the community.He said another incident involved a woman and her daughter who were reportedly kidnapped while returning from Ihiagwa to Eziobodo.

“In the ugly incident that occurred on the night of 13 May, 2026, the hoodlums attempted to abduct more persons along the same route, leading to the shooting of an Okada rider who later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Four other persons sustained machete cut injuries during the attack as the criminals attempted to stop motorcycles conveying commuters for possible abduction.

“The spread of old videos from other states falsely presented as incidents from Eziobodo, political propaganda, financial interests, and social media exaggerations as some of the reasons behind the false narratives being circulated online.”

Chibe Okere, head of security in the area, condemned the attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herders and other criminal elements within the communities. He   warned that residents of Ezi-Obodo and Ezi-Okele would no longer tolerate acts of kidnapping, killings, intimidation, or any form of insecurity threatening the peace of the people.

He assured the people that local security operatives and vigilante groups were fully alert and prepared to collaborate with conventional security agencies to protect lives and property.

“We are peace-loving people, but we will not fold our arms and allow criminals to continue terrorising our communities. Enough is enough. We condemn these attacks and warn against any recurrence,” Okere stated.

A youth leader from the community, Prince Chima Okoro, expressed deep concern over the persistent harassment and intimidation allegedly being perpetrated by suspected herders and other criminal elements against the people of the area.

Okoro declared that residents are no longer comfortable with growing insecurity and appealed to the state government to urgently assist in strengthening security within the community to safeguard lives and property.