May 14, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel News
Tension has erupted in communities surrounding the following a violent attack by gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen in Eziobodo and nearby areas of Owerri West Local Government Area of .
Residents alleged that heavily armed attackers invaded the communities on Wednesday night, unleashing terror on commuters and residents around Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, and roads leading to the university environment.
Community sources claimed the gunmen ambushed travellers around the Umuokwo Junction axis and opened fire indiscriminately, forcing many residents and students to flee for safety.
Some locals described the attack as a siege on communities hosting the university, alleging that the armed men operated freely for several hours without resistance.
One of the victims, a commercial motorcyclist who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the head, narrated how he narrowly escaped death during the attack.
According to him, he was transporting a passenger to Eziobodo when he noticed an unusual gathering of commercial motorcyclists along the road near Umuokwo Junction.
“I was carrying a passenger to Eziobodo community in Owerri West when I got to Umuokwo Junction I saw many commercial motorcyclists parking along the roadside,” he recounted.
The victim said people at the scene warned them that suspected armed Fulani herdsmen had blocked the road, but his passenger insisted they continue the journey despite his fears.
He further explained that while passing through a bush path between Ihiagwa and Eziobodo, he became suspicious after spotting an abandoned motorcycle lying on the road.
Moments later, armed men dressed in black reportedly emerged from the bush and attempted to attack him.
“Two boys wearing black attire and armed ran out of the bush to attack me but because I was on speed they jumped back into the bush. Unfortunately, another gunman outside the bush now shot me,” he said.
Residents alleged that several persons were abducted during the attack, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries from gunshots.
The confirmed the incident but described it as a failed abduction attempt.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the command disclosed that security had been reinforced in Ihiagwa and surrounding communities following the attack which occurred on the night of May 13, 2026.
According to the police, the injured motorcyclist was immediately rushed to a hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, , reportedly ordered the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit alongside other tactical teams to restore security in the affected areas.
Police authorities assured residents that intelligence-driven operations were ongoing to track down and arrest those behind the attack.
Despite the assurances, residents continue to express fear over rising insecurity around the university communities and have called on the state government and security agencies to urgently prevent further attacks.
