There was panic in Umunjo community in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, in the early hours of Monday after suspected herdsmen shot and killed a local vigilante and another man.

A viral video circulating on social media shows the two lifeless bodies lying a few metres apart. Witnesses in the video said the vigilante was escorting the unidentified man to inspect an undeveloped property in the area when they were attacked.

“My man is gone, Fulani has touched Irete again,” a voice is heard saying in the video as residents gathered at the scene.

Community sources said the incident is the latest in a string of attacks linked to suspected herdsmen in the area.

It would be recalled that activities attributed to suspected herdsmen have reportedly left over four people dead and others injured in the last few months, with additional cases of abduction also recorded in Irete and surrounding communities.

As of the time of this report, the identity of the second victim had not been confirmed and the Imo State Police Command had not released an official statement on the killings.

Residents of Umunjo said they are calling for increased security presence in Irete to prevent further attacks.

Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests in connection with the incident. (The Sun, excluding headline)