Farmer killed in Imo community as residents raise fresh security concerns.

Tragedy struck in Obiakpu, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State on Wednesday 23rd April 2025, where a middle-aged farmer and devoted Christian, identified as Mr. Henry Uchenna Akuta, was murdered in cold blood by suspected Fulani terrorists while reportedly travelling to his farmland. The sad incident which attracted widespread condemnation by the locals was said to have heightened concerns over insecurity in the area.

According to information obtained by Umuaka Times from local sources, Mr. Uchenna Akuta was intercepted by armed men on his way to his farm. Sources alleged that he pleaded with his attackers to spare his life, but he was reportedly killed and his lifeless body abandoned along the bush path. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not publicly identified the perpetrators or announced any arrests. Efforts by Umuaka Times to reach the deceased’s family for comment were unsuccessful.

Highly dependable sources in the area disclosed that the killing of Mr. Uchenna Akuta occurred barely two weeks after a female farmer, whose identity had yet to be confirmed, was reportedly killed by suspected terrorists in Umuewo-Amala, Isiato, in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State. The incident was said to have taken place on a Sunday morning, further heightening concerns over the recurring security challenges facing communities in the area.

Findings have shown that the killing of the middle-aged farmer has renewed fears among residents of Ohaji/Egbema, where communities have for years reported attacks on farmers, kidnappings, destruction of crops, and violent confrontations. Some residents and community leaders have attributed many of these incidents to suspected armed Fulani terrorists operating in the area, although law enforcement agencies have not consistently confirmed the identities of those responsible.

Ohaji/Egbema is among several local government areas in Imo State including Owerri West, Oguta, and Ngor Okpala where rural communities have repeatedly reported security challenges affecting farming activities. Communities such as Assa, Obokofia, Abacheke, Umuepe, Eziobodo, Ihiagwa, Amakohia-Ubi, Agwa, and Etekwuru have over the years reported incidents ranging from killings, kidnappings and attacks on farmers.

Umuaka Times gathered that similar security concerns have also been reported in other parts of Southeastern Nigeria as far back as 2016. There was an attack in Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, in which dozens of people were killed. The attack drew national attention after residents and state officials identified the attackers as suspected armed Fulani terrorists.

Other Southeastern states, including Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra, have also experienced violent attacks, kidnappings, and farm invasions by terrorists suspected to be Fulani ethnic group.

Recurring attacks linked to these suspected Fulani terrorists have continued to raise security concerns in several communities across Imo State. According to media reports reviewed by Umuaka Times, findings show that incidents of attacks on rural communities have been reported over the years. In its August 17, 2017 edition, Daily Post reported an attack on Amakohia-Ubi Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani terrorists. The report stated that crops and other property worth millions of naira were destroyed during the incident.

Other mainstream national newspapers have also reported incidents involving killings, destruction of farmlands and attacks on farming communities in different parts of the state, with many of the attacks attributed to suspected armed Fulani terrorists. Reacting to the development, a traditional ruler in Imo State who requested anonymity for security reasons, condemned the recurring attacks and urged the state government to strengthen measures to safeguard lives and properties of her citizens.

The monarch also called on the Federal Government to enhance security for both local farmers and others, ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of violent attacks, which have seen an uphill task to implement.

So far, no investigation reports have been obtained from the police regarding this sad incident at the time of publication.