By Sophia Afolabi
Two persons have been killed and two others injured in a suspected armed attack in a farm area near Irete Secondary Technical School, ISTS, in Irete Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident reportedly occurred when four persons visited the area for land inspection and security-related duties. Sources within the community said gunmen opened fire on the group, killing two of the men and injuring the other two.
One of the deceased was identified as Chigaemezu Ozuzu from Umunjo, Irete, who was reportedly working as a security operative in the area. The second victim, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, was said to be from Amakohia-Ubi Autonomous Community in Owerri West.
The Amakohia-Ubi man was reportedly involved in land business and had accompanied the group to inspect a property when the attack occurred. The other security operative, said to be attached to the Imo State Security Organisation, IMSO, and the Home Branch Irete Vigilante Platform, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries but escaped.
A woman who reportedly accompanied the group for the land inspection was also said to have suffered bullet wounds. She was taken to a hospital in Irete, where she was receiving medical treatment.
The attack has reportedly caused tension in Irete and neighbouring communities, with residents expressing concern over the safety of people operating in isolated farm and bush areas.
Some community members alleged that the attackers were Fulani armed herders operating around parts of Owerri West, including Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu and Amakohia-Ubi.
However, the allegation could not be independently verified, while the identities of the attackers and their motive remained unclear as of press time. A picture reportedly obtained by coastreportersnews showed the bodies of the two deceased victims at the scene.
Residents have called on security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and operations across Irete and neighbouring communities, particularly in isolated areas, to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, has ordered the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The deployment covers Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities.
