Tension has gripped parts of Imo State following a deadly attack along the Ihiagwa–Amaeze road in Owerri North Local Government Area, where gunmen suspected to be herdsmen reportedly killed a commercial motorcyclist and abducted a female student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 24, 2026, has left residents shaken and heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the area.
According to reports, the motorcyclist, identified simply as Emmanuel, was conveying the student to school when they were ambushed by armed assailants. The attackers allegedly killed the rider on the spot before whisking the student away to an undisclosed location.
A relative of the abducted student, who gave his name as Ibenyenwa, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that the victim is married to his younger brother and described the attack as both painful and alarming. He also noted that the slain motorcyclist was a native of Ihiagwa community.
“She was on her way to school when the incident happened. The rider was killed, and she was taken away. This is the reality we are facing now,” he said.
The attack has triggered widespread concern among residents, many of whom say the once-busy route has increasingly become unsafe.
Reacting to the development, the Nzuko Owere General Assembly strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a disturbing pattern of violence in the Owerri Federal Constituency.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Hon. Dan Ikpeazu, and other leaders, the group warned that several roads within the constituency have effectively turned into danger zones.
“The latest incident along the Amaeze–Ihiagwa road, where a commercial motorcyclist was brutally killed and his passenger abducted, is deeply troubling,” the statement read.
“This is one incident too many. Our people can no longer continue to live under constant threat. Rural roads across the constituency have become hotspots for violent attacks, affecting farmers, students, traders, and transport operators.”
The group extended condolences to the family of the slain motorcyclist and the Ihiagwa community, while urging security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the abducted student and restore safety in the area.
They also advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid isolated and poorly maintained roads—especially during late hours—and collaborate with local vigilante groups to improve community security.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident.