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Anxiety continues to mount in the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) community after a staff member was attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The incident occurred barely a fortnight after Hon. Tochukwu Okere, representing Owerri Federal Constituency, raised concerns at the House of Representatives about the rising insecurity in his constituency.
Mr. Nath Onyeagwalam, a FUTO staff, is currently battling to stay alive at an undisclosed medical facility, after he was attacked and matcheted along Amaeze-Ihiagwa Road while returning from work.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “We no longer sleep with our eyes closed because Fulani herdsmen now attack and unleash mayhem on our people without cause. Nath is lucky to have survived, but his life is still in the balance because he was stabbed near vital organs. Others have disappeared without a trace.”
The resident also expressed concern about the alleged silence of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, the 34 Brigade Obinze, and other security agencies, who they say have been “questionably insensitive” to the situation in Owerri West. The resident further claimed that women and girls are being raped and abducted, and men are being kidnapped for ransom.
A trending video sighted by our reporter shows Onyeagwalam in a pool of his own blood, pleading for help.
Okere recently brought the issue of insecurity in his constituency before the National Assembly, and on February 12, 2025, he moved a motion urging the House to ensure the security of his people.
During the session, Okere expressed his displeasure with the safety challenges being faced by his constituents, calling for an investigation into the killings, kidnappings, and banditry in Owerri West and parts of Owerri North.
Okere stated, “This evil menace is not in the character of my people, and whoever is sponsoring machinery of destruction against my people must be exposed and brought to book by the Nigerian law enforcement agencies.”
He reminded the House that the security of lives and properties is the primary responsibility of the government. He noted that past reports of killings, kidnappings, and banditry in areas such as Avu, Oforola, Nekede, Ihiagwa, Obinze, Amakohia Ubi, Okolochi, Obibiezena, Agbala, and Ulakwo have not been given enough consideration by security agencies.
While acknowledging Governor Uzodinma’s efforts through the Commissioner of Police and other security apparatus, Okere emphasized that the situation is still disrupting the peace of his people and warned that the indigenes may resort to self-help if the security concerns are not checked and redressed.
Okere’s motion urged the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to end the killings and displacement of indigenes in Owerri West and Owerri North. It also mandated the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action. The House observed a minute of silence in honor of those who have lost their lives to insecurity in the area.
