Fear has gripped a community in Imo State after an attack left two men dead, including a local vigilante operative.
Residents of Umunjo community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State are living in fear after suspected herdsmen att@cked the area on Monday, k!lling a vigilante operative and another man.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident and has deployed extra security operatives to Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas following ongoing security issues including kidn@ppings and other crimes.
Videos circulating on social media showed the bodies of the two men lying in pools of blood metres apart.
According to eyewitnesses, the vigilante operative had been escorting an unidentified man to the area to check on a property when they were att@cked.
Community members say the att@ckers appeared to be herdsmen and described the situation as escalating.
They noted that Irete has recently seen several att@cks on property buyers and real estate agents, with about four people reportedly k!lled in separate incidents while inspecting properties in the area.
Some residents have fled Umunjo in fear of further att@cks or questioning by security officials.
The community is appealing to authorities to restore peace and arrest the fleeing att@ckers.
Police have deployed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit to the area, which will work with community vigilantes to carry out intelligence-led operations and catch criminal elements.
The Police Commissioner condemned the k!llings and directed units to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious persons, movements or activities to police immediately, noting that timely information is essential to preventing crime.