Motorcyclist Slain, FUTO Student Abducted by Suspected Herdsmen in Imo

Gunmen believed to be herdsmen have reportedly killed a commercial motorcyclist, Emmanuel, and abducted a female student from the Federal University of Technology (FUTO). The incident took place on the Ihiagwa-Amaeze road in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victim, who was transporting the student to school, was allegedly attacked and fatally wounded by the assailants on Friday, April 24, 2026. The female passenger was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location by the perpetrators.

An individual identified as Ibenyenwa, a relative of the abducted student, confirmed the occurrence. He stated that the deceased motorcyclist hailed from Ihiagwa, and the kidnapped student is married to his younger brother.

Following the attack, a palpable sense of unease has gripped the affected communities, with residents voicing concerns over escalating insecurity in the region.

"She was on her way to school when the ugly incident occurred. She was kidnapped by herdsmen operating on the Ihiagwa-Amaeze road. The slain motorcyclist is a native of Ihiagwa. This is what we are passing through now," Ibenyenwa commented.

The Nzuko Owere General Assembly has issued a condemnation of the incident, labelling it as a recurring problem and urging security agencies to expedite efforts for the student's rescue and to prevent further attacks.

In a statement released and signed by the National President, Hon. Dan Ikpeazu, and five other signatories, the organisation highlighted that roads within the Owerri Federal Constituency have become hazardous. They advised residents to remain watchful and avoid secluded routes, particularly during evening hours.

"The latest disturbing episode occurred along the Amaeze-Ihiagwa Road, where a commercial motorcycle operator from Ihiagwa community was brutally butchered by armed assailants," the group stated.

"In the same attack, a female student, who was his passenger, was abducted and taken to an unknown destination."

"This barbaric act is one killing too many. The lives of our people can no longer be treated as expendable."

"Amaeze-Ihiagwa Road and other rural routes across Owerri Federal Constituency have become death traps and theatres of terror, where farmers, students, traders, and transporters, are ambushed daily with impunity."

"We condole with the bereaved family of the slain victim and the entire people of Ihiagwa Community over the cold murder of their son, and call on our security agencies to intensify effort to rescue the kidnapped victim."

"We use this opportunity to advice our people to avoid lonely, dilapidated, and ungoverned roads, especially at dusk."

"Our community vigilante groups should increase surveillance and work closely with law enforcement agencies."

"Nzuko Owere aligns with the call by notable Nigerians by advising our people on the need for self-preservation. Enough is enough."