A wave of outrage and calls for justice have swept through the Umualumaku community in Uzoagba, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, following a violent midnight attack that left a local vigilante officer critically injured and hospitalised.
The victim, identified as Obinna, sustained a severe gunshot wound to the leg while on patrol at one of the community’s security checkpoints during the early hours of June 1, 2025. He is currently receiving advanced medical treatment in Abuja after undergoing emergency surgery.
Narrating his ordeal from his hospital bed, Obinna revealed that he and a colleague were patrolling the area when they encountered suspected armed men dismantling a recently installed community gate , one of several the village has erected to combat rising insecurity.
“As I flashed my torchlight on them, asking who they were, they opened fire. I was hit in the leg and collapsed,” he recounted, switching between English and Pidgin.
The community had rebuilt the gate for the third time after previous ones were reportedly destroyed by individuals linked to one Mr. Kingsley Chimezie Anosike, a resident the villagers accused of orchestrating several acts of vandalism and violence in the area.
Obinna’s condition has since worsened, with doctors inserting metal into his leg and confirming he may not regain full mobility. “I can’t walk without crutches now. My children’s education is at stake. I can’t even provide for my family. The community has been the one paying my hospital bills,” he lamented.
According to a formal petition dated July 5, 2025, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the Director of State Services (DSS), the Umualumaku community alleged that Anosike, along with associates including Martin Opara, Goddy Ugocha, and others, have continually threatened their safety.
“On May 6, 2025, armed men believed to be working with Mr. Anosike stormed our village boundary, shooting and injuring a vigilante. They took 15 people hostage and destroyed the security gate,” the petition stated.
Security personnel who responded to the June 1 incident recovered damning evidence, including used cartridges of AK-47 and assault rifles, construction tools, and personal items left behind at the crime scene. These have been handed over to law enforcement for investigation.
The matter has now been formally charged to court, with police confirming ongoing investigations. Legal Adviser to the community, Barrister Kingsley Onunwa, expressed confidence in the judicial process.
“This was an unprovoked, uncivilized attack. Obinna’s life has been altered permanently. We are seeking justice, not only to hold the perpetrators accountable but also to deter future acts of violence against peaceful communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, community leaders say they remain united and determined to pursue legal redress, calling on both state and federal authorities to ensure the safety of rural communities and hold those responsible for violence to account.
