Edith CHUKU
The recent attack on indigenes and residents of Ihiagwa and Eziobodo communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, has been described as reckless and devilish.
Natives and residents of the communities were thrown into panic in the wee hours of Wednesday when unknown gunmen invaded the community.
Though the cause of the invasion and identities of the suspected gunmen were yet to be revealed but a video that circulated online showed students, traders and motorists fleeing the area.
A commercial motorcyclist who was seen in one of the videos is believed to be one of the victims of the attack.
The motorcyclist was seen seated on a bench with his white singlet stained with blood.
While condemning the incident, the Igbo National Council INC, called for the immediate arrest and persecution of the perpetrators.
INC president, Mr Chilos Godsent, revealed that the killing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, was carried out by non indigenous commercial motor cycle riders operating in those communities.
According to him, “The Igbo National Council INC, have condemned in strong terms the reckless killing of the indigenes and residents of Ihiagwa and Eziobodo communities respectively in Owerri West LGA of Imo State on Wednesday, 13th May, 2026 by non indigenous commercial motor cycle riders operating in those communities.
“The information reaching the Igbo National Council (INC) indicates that the killings were carried out by non indigenous commercial motors cycle drivers operating in the aforementioned communities who have been making efforts to establish criminal camp in the forests of these communities.
“Furthermore, the Igbo National Council (INC) therefore calls on the Traditional Rulers, President Generals (PGs), Vigilantes and Community Youth Leaders of Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, Obibiezena and Nekede communities respectively to quickly set up their Community Transport and Security Community (TSC) with Mandates to Profile, Coordinate and Monitor the identity and operations of all commercial motor cycle operators in these communities.”
The group warned that it would not tolerate the reoccurrence of “such a devilish attack in communities in Imo State henceforth and therefore warns any criminal operating in the guise of okada rider to repent now or leave Imo State before it will be too late.”
