PANIC IN OWERRI: FEAR GRIPS NEKEDE AS RESIDENTS RAISE ALARM OVER ALLEGED FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK PLOT

Fear is tightening its grip on residents of Owerri and its neighbouring communities as alarming reports circulate about a purported plan by suspected Fulani herdsmen to launch coordinated attacks on Nekede in Imo State. The unsettling development follows a disturbing incident on the Nekede–Amaze road last night, where arm£d men believed to be Fulani assailants reportedly ambushed commuters, leaving the community on edge and heightening tension across the area.

The anxiety intensified early this morning when a social media alert, shared by an account identified as Chibuenyi (Don Machiti), began making rounds on X (formerly Twitter). The post, shared by user @GeorgeOha34227, claimed that an “imminent attack” was looming over Nekede, with alleged intelligence suggesting that several armed groups had received orders to move into the town within a projected timeframe of one to two weeks. According to the viral alert, the suspected attackers had purportedly been receiving supplies and ammunition over the past week while reinforcements were allegedly being brought in from neighbouring regions.

Although authorities have not released an official statement confirming these claims, the panic triggered by the post has already spread rapidly across the community. Residents, still traumatized by the previous night’s reported ambush, have taken to social media to express fear and confusion while urging the state government and security agencies to intervene immediately. Many described seeing unfamiliar faces and unusual motorcycle movements around the outskirts of Nekede, further deepening suspicion and fueling concern over the possibility of a coordinated infiltration.

The Nekede–Amaze road incident, which reportedly occurred under the cover of darkness, has become a focal point in the conversation. Eyewitnesses allege that armed men emerged from a bushy section of the road, firing into the air and attacking passersby. While details remain sketchy, commuters and local motorists claim that several people fled into the surrounding bushes to escape harm. Though unconfirmed, some accounts suggest that a few victims sustained injuries during the chaos.

For residents of Nekede, the fear is not just about last night’s attack but the frightening possibility of something bigger. The viral alert claims that the attackers intend to "overrun" the community, a statement that has left many in shock and disbelief. Local shop owners, students of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and families living within host communities have begun discussing contingency plans, with some considering temporary relocation if security agencies fail to respond swiftly.

Community leaders are calling for calm but insist that the government must not ignore the growing anxiety. A Nekede resident who spoke anonymously said the level of fear in the area is unlike anything seen in recent times. “People didn’t sleep last night. The gunshots were real. We don’t know what’s coming next, but the government must act fast. We can’t pretend everything is normal,” he said.

Security fears in the region have been on the rise over the past few years due to sporadic clashes, kidnappings, and isolated attacks linked to armed groups operating across parts of Imo. The latest alert has raised alarms about a potential escalation if immediate preventive measures are not taken. Residents are urging Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Police Command, and military operatives within the state to move quickly to assess the situation and deploy adequate personnel to the threatened communities.

Despite the alarming claims, some observers warn against the dangers of misinformation and panic-triggering posts, urging the public to allow security agencies to verify the authenticity of the intelligence. However, given the recent attack and the long-standing security challenges facing Imo State, many residents argue that ignoring such warnings could be dangerous.

In the absence of an official response, rumours have continued to spread, with some residents sharing voice notes, photos, and unverified videos purportedly showing armed men gathering in bush paths around Nekede. While the authenticity of such content remains uncertain, the psychological impact has been immediate. Streets that would normally be bustling with activity have seen reduced movement, and some businesses reportedly opened late as people gauged the safety situation.

Students of Nekede Polytechnic and surrounding institutions have also expressed fear, especially those living in off-campus lodges close to bushy areas. Many are calling for an increased military presence and regular patrols around vulnerable points such as the Nekede–Amaze axis, Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, and other neighbouring communities.

The broader implication of the alert extends beyond Nekede, as Owerri residents also worry about potential spillovers. Several individuals have taken to radio stations and community forums to plead for vigilance, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance, security checkpoints, and rapid-response mechanisms.

As the fear continues to spread, experts warn that lapses in communication between the government and the public could worsen the situation. Transparency, they argue, is crucial in preventing panic-driven actions and ensuring that residents receive accurate, timely information about the real state of security.

The coming days will be critical, as authorities are expected to address the viral alert and the reported attack on the Nekede–Amaze road. For now, the community remains tense, uncertain, and deeply anxious about what tomorrow may bring. Many residents are keeping their ears open for updates, their eyes on unusual movements, and their hopes alive that the state will act swiftly to secure the area before any potential threat materializes.

As night approaches once again, Nekede stands at a crossroads between fear and hope—fear that the warnings may be true, and hope that security forces will rise to the challenge. One thing is clear: the community is on high alert, waiting for decisive action, and praying that the silence from authorities breaks before the tension spirals beyond control.