Panic erupted Wednesday night in Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), after suspected gunmen reportedly invaded the area, sending students, traders and motorists fleeing for safety.
The incident, which occurred in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, triggered chaos across the university environment and neighbouring communities as gunshots allegedly echoed through the area.
Videos circulating on social media since midnight captured frightened residents running in different directions, while businesses and roads were deserted amid fears of further attacks.
One of the victims, a commercial motorcyclist, was seen in a viral clip sitting on a bench with blood stains on his white singlet and medical plaster covering part of his shaved head.
Narrating his ordeal, the injured rider said he narrowly escaped death after his passenger insisted on continuing the journey to Eziobodo despite reports of suspected gunmen operating in the area.
According to him, he became suspicious after noticing unusual movements along the road and attempted to confirm the situation before proceeding.
The attack created tension within the FUTO community, forcing many residents to remain indoors while others hurriedly abandoned the streets in search of safety.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding the attack or the identities of the assailants.
