Students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and residents of Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, and neighbouring communities have been thrown into panic following violent attacks by suspected assailants in the area.

The Guardian gathered that, apart from the attacks recorded on Wednesday night, clashes between rival cult groups on Monday allegedly claimed the lives of two students and left several others seriously injured.

During a visit to the affected communities, residents expressed concern over their safety and appealed to security agencies, including the police and local vigilante groups, to urgently restore normalcy and apprehend those responsible.

“We don’t know what is really happening. Two days ago, there were clashes between cult groups in which two students were reportedly shot dead, and just last night, we heard several gunshots and reports of abductions by suspected herdsmen along the Eziobodo Road.

“Honestly, nobody is safe here. We don’t know what could happen the next minute. We are yet to get encouraging responses from either the police or local security personnel regarding the arrest of those behind this tension,” a resident, who spoke anonymously, said.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command, led by Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso, had reinforced security in the area through the deployment of personnel to launch a manhunt for the attackers and strengthen security presence.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive policing across the state. Okoye said, “Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has assured residents of their safety and 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.

“The command further assures residents that the situation is under control, while coordinated intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track and apprehend all those involved in the attack. Adequate security measures have also been put in place to prevent future occurrences.

“The public is urged to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.”

MEANWHILE, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to step aside from partisan political activities and focus on governance.

The group alleged that Uzodimma’s involvement in nationwide political campaigns for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu had affected governance and security management in the state. It argued that the governor should allow his deputy to take charge to ensure more focused administration.

HURIWA further alleged that intelligence reports indicated the presence of armed Fulani militants hiding in forests across Imo State under the guise of herders.

The group also criticised security agencies, including the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of failing to prevent the attacks despite their significant presence in the state.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA questioned the delayed response of security operatives during the attacks, as allegedly reported by eyewitnesses.

The organisation called for improved military and intelligence operations focused on combating violent criminal groups, while also urging the Imo State government to register cattle owners, monitor their activities, and prohibit open grazing in towns and cities to safeguard residents and farmers.