In Emekuku, in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, villagers from Umunobo, Nkwu-Emeke, and Akalovu have expressed anxiety about the presence of masked herdsmen.
Residents have been reassured by the Imo State Police Command that there is no need for concern, as security personnel have been sent in to maintain peace and safety.
During our correspondent’s visit to the area on Thursday, one of the locals, who begged not to be named, told The Intercept that eight masked herders were observed moving from the bushes towards the village on Wednesday morning.
According to the source, the herders and the villagers had a disagreement about the cows trampling on their crops on the fields, and they subsequently split up.
However, early Wednesday morning, they said eight masked herdsmen were seen bearing AK-47 rifles and advancing into their village, a development that triggered panic and confusion.
When contacted, the Imo State Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command was aware of the incident.
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Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had immediately deployed the DPOs of Owerri Urban, New Owerri, and Owerri North divisions to the place to guard against any attack.
“Furthermore, he immediately deployed men from the Special Intervention Squad of security operatives in synergy with Nigerian Army operatives to patrol the area.
“There is no cause for alarm as the situation is under control. We have an adequate security presence. We appeal to the people to go about their lawful business, as their safety is guaranteed”, Okoye said.
