Gunmen invade FUTO host communities in failed abduction

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has deployed additional security operatives to Ihiagwa and surrounding communities in Owerri West Local Government Area, who are among the host communities of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), following a failed abduction attempt on Wednesday night.

The state police Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a press release, said the attack occurred along the Umuokwo Ihiagwa-Eziobodo Road. A witness said the bandits came in a large number of motorcycles and attempted to abduct a victim, but were repelled through the swift intervention of police operatives, local vigilance groups, and community members who mobilised in large numbers.

The victims, the witness said, sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Also, in a viral video of the scene, some members of the community were wounded in the attack. One of the victims from the scene said he narrowly escaped being killed after he was shot by the hoodlums.

“I was riding on a bike and I saw another bike that fell down. I became afraid, but my rider said nothing was happening, that we should go ahead. We didn’t go far when they attacked us and shot me, but thank God I was able to escape”.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso, has assured residents of their safety and ordered the immediate deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other tactical and intelligence assets, to the area. He said the move was aimed at increasing security visibility and ensuring the swift arrest of those responsible.

He further assured residents that the situation was under control, while coordinated intelligence-driven operations were ongoing to track and apprehend all those involved in the attack.