Defense and Security
Two Shot Dead by Bandits While Inspecting Land in Imo
Two persons have been killed by suspected armed bandits while inspecting a parcel of land in Irete community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were reportedly attacked and shot dead on Monday, September 14, 2026, while inspecting the property alongside two other persons.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the four-man group included a woman, adding that two members of the group escaped the attack and alerted residents.
One of the deceased was identified as Chigaemezu Ozuzu, a member of a local vigilante group.
The source alleged that suspected herders had been terrorising Irete and neighbouring communities, forcing some farmers to abandon their farmlands over fears for their safety.
“The people went to inspect a land for sale. They were four in number; one of them is a woman. Two of them escaped and alerted the community.
“This thing is getting out of hand. They have been terrorising our community and neighbouring communities. We are now scared to go to farm,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, had ordered the immediate deployment of enhanced security operations to the affected areas.
Okoye said the deployment followed recent security concerns, including pockets of kidnapping and other criminal activities recorded in Owerri West and Oguta Local Government Areas.
According to him, the operation covers Ejemekuru, Ogbakwu, Izombe, Irete, Umuguma, Okuku, Ndegwu, Amakohia-Ubi and adjoining communities.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit had been deployed with available operational assets, in collaboration with community vigilantes, to intensify intelligence-led operations and track down the perpetrators.
“The action follows the attack and killing of two young persons in Irete today, 14 September 2026, by suspected armed bandits.
“CP Bosso has condemned the incident and directed the relevant units to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The commissioner directed the deployed personnel to remain vigilant, proactive and professional, stressing that the command would not allow criminal elements to establish a foothold in any part of the state.
Vanguard reports that he also ordered the operatives to work closely with community vigilantes and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering and security across the affected communities.
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