By Charles Igbo
Indigenes and residents of Umuoba, a Community in Irete, Owerri West, Imo State, are living scared. They are sleeping with one eye open. They are panicky and jumpy.
Given what a number of communities in the South-east have been through, nobody should blame them. They have every reason to run scared.
This situation is no thanks to a scary message they received from alleged Fulani Herdsmen. The message contained in a poster, allegedly sent to them by the Herdsmen bears an ominous message which reads in part: “Wait for us, we are coming.”
The notice was received by the Community on Monday, 10th October 2025.
Speculations are rife over the real source of the notice. Did it really come Fulani herdsmen or some locals playing pranks or just some criminal elements trying to cause panic.
Wherever it came from, both the Community and the Police are taking it seriously. Members of the Community are at alert.
However, in its reaction, the Imo Police Command thinks the letter was deliberately sent by some criminals to cause chaos.
In a statement, on Tuesday, Henry Okoye, Spokesman Imo State Police Command, noted that the message was delivered anonymously by some criminals who are yet to be identified. Their aim, he said, is to cause chaos in the town.
Said the statement by Okoye: “It has come to the attention of the Command that the following message was posted in Umuoba Community, Irete, Owerri West LGA of Imo State:
‘Fulani herdsmen: we are coming, wait for us at any time at any moment now wait for us.’
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that this message is a calculated attempt by certain elements to incite unnecessary fear and apprehension among the public and to destabilize the peace and security
currently enjoyed in Imo State.
“In response, the Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for disseminating this threat, and to ascertain their motives.
“Local vigilantes, have visited the community to assess the situation and engage with residents, further reinforcing our proactive measures to ensure their safety.
“Citizens are encouraged to continue with their lawful businesses and daily activities without fear.”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
