Two persons were killed, and two others sustained gunshot injuries when suspected armed bandits attacked a group of people in a farm area near Irete Secondary Technical School in the Irete Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, throwing residents of Irete and neighbouring communities into panic. Community sources said the victims were in the area for land inspection and security duties when the gunmen opened fire on them.
One of the deceased was identified as Chigaemezu Ozuzu from Umunjo, Irete, who was reportedly providing security in the area. The second victim, said to be from Amakohia-Ubi Autonomous Community, was reportedly involved in land business and had accompanied the group to inspect a property.
Two other members of the group reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. One was said to be a security operative attached to the Imo State Security Organisation (IMSO) and operating under the Home Branch Irete Vigilante Platform, while a woman who had accompanied the group for the land inspection was also reportedly injured and taken to a hospital in Irete.
Community sources alleged that the attackers were suspected to be armed Fulani herders operating in some parts of Owerri West, including Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu and Amakohia-Ubi. However, the allegation could not be independently verified, and the attackers’ identities and motives remained unclear.
The Imo State Police Command said Commissioner of Police CP Audu Garba Bosso ordered the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations across Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas. The operation covers Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi, Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe and adjoining communities.
The Command said its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit has been deployed with available operational assets, working with community vigilantes to intensify intelligence-led operations and track down the perpetrators.
CP Bosso condemned the killings and directed operatives to remain vigilant and proactive, while urging residents to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies.