Palpable fear has enveloped Irete autonomous community in Owerri West local council area of Imo State, as armed hoodlums reportedly descended on the community.

At the time of filing this report, Miss Ugochi Agbanyi has reportedly died from the severe injuries inflicted on her by the rampaging hoodlums, while her brother is still battling for life at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO).

Giving a graphic account of what happened, a villager, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, said: ?Indigenes and residents of the community, had over a long time, been facing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen.

?Trouble heightened Wednesday night, September 11, 2024, when the community?s local security outfit encountered the rampaging armed criminals in a fierce gun battle, as they brazenly attacked, robbed and pillaged properties of innocent citizens in Irete.

?The fierce confrontation forced the attackers to retreat into the bushes on the northern axis of the community, through the nearby Nworie River.

?One sad thing about their forced escape from the scene of crime was that they attacked whoever and whatever that was within their escape route.

?Two of the unfortunate victims included Uche Agbanyi, popularly known in the community as Uche Chelsea, due to his love for football and his sister, Ugochi Agbanyi.

?The siblings, who are indigenes of Orlu, were promptly moved to a nearby medical facility for treatment, but after assessing the gravity of the injuries, the doctor advised that they be moved to Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri.

?Today, we have sadly lost Ugochi, to the cold hands of death, courtesy of her heartless attackers, but we are still observing prayerful vigil over the life of Uche,? he added.

Continuing, the villager said: ?This night (Friday), the hoodlums not only snatched somebody?s motorcycle at a point close to AA Rano filling station and Disney Hotel, but also gave him serious injuries.

?All these ugly events have heightened security concerns in our community that was adjudged as being very peaceful. We can no longer visit our farms and we no longer have peace in our homes.

?What sort of life and living is this? Palpable confusion and fear have enveloped all of us in the Irete community. Imo State Government and all the security agencies should save us from further attacks,? he said.

The State Police Command?s image maker, Mr Henry Okoye, could not give a response to inquiry on his WhatsApp platform, before press time. (Vanguard)