Igbo youths condemn herdsmen killing of motorcyclist, abduction of FUTO student

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Igbo youth group, under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has condemned the killing of a commercial motorcyclist and the abduction of a female student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in Imo State.

In a statement issued yesterday by the President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, described the attacks as “provocative and unacceptable,” calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.

The motorcyclist, whose identity had not been officially released as of press time, was reportedly attacked along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road, on Monday evening.

Witnesses said he was shot after resisting attempts to seize his motorcycle, while his passenger, a female student of FUTO, was allegedly abducted on the same route while returning from campus. Her whereabouts remained unknown as of the time of this report.

Ibem regretted that the recurring attacks posed a threat to peace in the region. “We will not fold our arms while our people are killed and our students kidnapped on highways. The government must act now,” the group stated.

Police authorities in Imo State confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway. The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, noted that tactical teams had been dispatched to track down the assailants.

The incidents add to growing tension in the South East over insecurity linked to armed herdsmen, with community leaders urging calm while demanding stronger protection for residents and students.