Youth murdered, 70-year-old abducted in Imo attacks

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Ndegwu and Amakohia-Ubi communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State are currently at the mercy of kidnappers, as abductions have become a daily occurrence.

The latest victim is a youth from Amakohia-Ubi, Chidera Anyawocha, popularly known as “NEPA.” He was abducted on Sunday by suspected Fulani herdsmen at a pig farm where he worked and was subsequently shot dead without any ransom demand.

Tragically, Anyawocha was killed on his birthday, February 16.

A relative confirming the incident wrote on Facebook:

“My heart is heavy as I write this. Today, we should have been celebrating your birthday, but instead, we mourn your loss. Yesterday, on the 16th of February 2025, your life was brutally taken away by the ruthless Fulani herdsmen kidnapping people here and there in Owerri-West.

“You, Mr. Chidera Anyawocha, fondly known as NEPA, were a beacon of light in our community of Amakohia-Ubi, Owerri-West. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled. May your soul rest in eternal peace.”

The community was thrown into mourning when his corpse was discovered the next day by local youths and vigilantes.

Similarly, another youth, known as Marcus, from the same community, was abducted a week ago but managed to escape from his captors.

In a related development, an elderly man was abducted on Friday, February 14, while fetching firewood in a farmland at Umuomara, Ndegwu.

Although he was later released without paying a ransom, his abductors inflicted a deep machete wound on his head and nearly severed his finger before letting him go.

The escalating kidnappings have forced many residents to stay away from their farmlands for fear of being abducted.