The frightening level of insecurity in Imo State has taken a new dimension as kidnappers said to be Fulani herdsmen are said to have invaded communities in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, especially those along the Aba/Owerri express road who have reportedly fled their homes to seek refuge elsewhere.
Information available to our news desk indicates that the kidnappers who have been identified as Fulani herdsmen operate openly for hours without being interrupted by any person.
Some villagers who spoke to newsmen said the criminal activities of bandits has been going on for several months now, and became worse a few days ago when they threw caution to the wind and started operating freely without fear, shooting, killing and maiming passengers along the busy Aba/Owerri express road.
A source who does want his name mentioned said the danger zone is the bushy and lonely spot between Ihitte Ngor and Umuechem Umuhu, immediately after the Navy check point, at the airport road junction.
A community leader from Umuechem Umuhu community said, “the activities of the criminals reached a crescendo last week Wednesday, as they blocked the road and shot a young man driving a Lexus Jeep because he refused to stop for them. They abandoned his vehicle and dead body on the road and ran into the borrow pit along the road from where they escaped into the bush”.
They mobilized and came out again on Friday, commandeered a Toyota Coaster bus and asked all to come down and enter the bush.
The driver of the bus who spoke to eyewitnesses said he was asked to stop by gun wielding men who covered their faces and spoke with a foreign accent. The driver managed to drive into Umuechem Umuhu community and parked the vehicle where 25 of the male passengers found their way while one was still missing as at the time of filing this report.
“The Driver of the Vehicle with the inscription “Abia Link” with registration number ABIA HAE 72 AYE said all the male Passengers in the Bus, numbering 26 were asked to move into the Bush while the only three Females were spared.
The Driver managed to drive into Umuechem Umuhu Community and packed the vehicle where 25 of the males later found their way, with one of them still missing.
However, after meetings by Traditional Rulers and President Generals of the Concerned Communities along the Express road, it was resolved that temporary precautionary measure be taken while appealing to the Government of State to come to their aid as they now live in fear of the unknown, occasioned by the marauding Kidnappers.
” We now live in fear. From 4,5 or 6 o’clock in the evening when the Police Check Points on the road are removed, they will appear and take over until they are done and move into the bush “, a source told the media”.
