Passengers travelling from Lagos were reportedly attacked and kidnapped by gunmen on the Owerri-Anambra road on Thursday morning, October 1.
An eyewitness account circulating on X claimed that the attackers blocked the road, robbed passengers and abducted occupants of two buses as well as people travelling in other vehicles.
The eyewitness said: “This Just Happened This Morning On The Owerri-Anambra Expressway. Armed Fulani Gunmen Attacked, Robbed And Kidnapped Passengers Travelling From Lagos. Two Full Buses Of Passengers And Other Vehicles Were Also Abducted.”
The report has triggered concern online, with one user writing, “Happy Independence Day in captivity,” in apparent reference to the alleged abduction.
The development comes amid previous reports of kidnapping and attacks along highways in parts of Imo State. In May 2026, reports said suspected armed herders attacked communities around Ihiagwa and Eziobodo in Owerri West, with the Imo State Police Command confirming that a manhunt had been launched for the attackers.
As of the time of filing, the latest report remains based on eyewitness-style social media posts and has not been independently verified by the authorities.
Reactions
@Kullest_Emoefe: Happy Independence Day in captivity
@Hhonor_: Na only talk Una go talk…. Lol keep waiting for government to protect u
@EMPERORLOMO: Na lie. This is obviously done by ibos probably IPOB.
@AyoFasina: What do we expect before in this country The killing never stop 🛑
@nobodyloveaj: This is not bandits it’s IPOB.
@kchukwuemeka28: They should chase them inside the bush, they’ve not gone far..no be to dey fold hand
@OPEYEMIOLU59152: Omg 🤦
@lookatjasper: This is so crazy
@andyDeffi: This is crazy 😧
