In a tragic turn of events, suspected armed herdsmen on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, invaded several communities in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, unleashing violence that left multiple people dead and several others injured.
One of the victims is a pregnant woman identified as Joy Osita Achugwo, who was shot during the early morning assault. She is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.
The attack, which occurred in Agwa and surrounding villages, has sparked outrage across Imo State, as residents decry the repeated invasions of their communities by suspected herdsmen.
Confirming the incident during a visit to the survivors, the Chairman of Oguta LGA, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnani, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“The gruesome killings of innocent people who were attacked in their own homes and farms is a clear indication of the insecurity in our state,” he stated.
Hon. Nnani also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured survivors that the local government is working with relevant authorities to restore peace in the affected areas.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice,” Nnani promised.
Eyewitnesses say the herdsmen stormed the villages around dawn, armed with rifles and machetes. The suddenness and intensity of the attack forced many residents to flee for their lives, while others were caught off guard in their homes and farms.
The attack comes just 48 hours after a similar onslaught in Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu community in Enugu State, where four farmers were reportedly killed and another declared missing in an attack suspected to be carried out by Fulani herdsmen.
The growing wave of insecurity has left citizens across South-East Nigeria on edge, with communities demanding urgent government intervention.
Speaking on the security situation, the Federal Commissioner representing Imo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kyrian Uchegbu, called on residents to adopt community-based protection strategies.
“We need to work together to ensure that our communities are safe and secure,” Uchegbu advised. “I strongly encourage the formation of well-structured vigilante groups to help resist further attacks.”
A resident of Agwa who narrowly escaped the attack shared his thoughts with Reporters under anonymity.
“This is a clear case of terrorism. We are no longer safe in our homes. The government must stop treating this with kid gloves,” he said.
As of the time of this report, the Imo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Multiple efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, for comments proved unsuccessful, as calls and text messages were not returned.
The Agwa incident has added to the growing concern about armed invasions by herdsmen in parts of Nigeria, reigniting debates around community policing, cattle routes, and national security reforms. Many are urging both state and federal governments to act decisively before the situation escalates further.
