Fear and anxiety have gripped the residents of Emeke Agbala in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State following a terrifying four-hour armed robbery rampage over the weekend.
The Trumpet gathered that heavily armed robbers, wielding guns, axes, and iron bars, stormed the community in the dead of night, robbing residents of cash, phones, sophisticated electronics, clothing, and expensive jewelry. Witnesses described the attack as a coordinated house-to-house operation that left victims traumatized.
Shockingly, the crime scene is less than 500 meters from the residence of the community’s youth president, the head of the local vigilante team, and even the palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Malachy Onu. Despite this proximity, the robbers operated freely without resistance.
According to distressed residents, the attack, which began at approximately 1:00 a.m., continued unabated for four hours. Multiple calls for help to community leaders, the vigilante group, and even the Nigerian police went unanswered. Many victims expressed frustration and anger at the seeming neglect, questioning the effectiveness of local security measures.
“This is not the first time we have been left defenseless. The criminals knew no one would come to our rescue,” a victim lamented. “We are now living in fear, knowing they can strike again.”
The brazen attack has reignited debates over security lapses in Imo State, with residents demanding urgent intervention from the government and law enforcement agencies. Many are now calling for the immediate reinforcement of security in the area, including a functional community policing strategy to prevent a recurrence.
As the community reels from the traumatic event, there are growing concerns that the failure to address security breaches could embolden criminals to stage more daring attacks, leaving citizens vulnerable and defenseless.