Tension gripped residents of Eziobodo, the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, on Wednesday night after suspected gunmen reportedly stormed the area, causing chaos and panic among students, traders and commuters.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, sparked confusion as several gunshots were allegedly heard across the community, forcing many residents to flee for safety.
Videos that surfaced online shortly after the attack showed people running in different directions while business activities abruptly came to a halt. Some motorists were also seen making hurried attempts to leave the area amid fears of further violence.
One of the victims captured in the viral footage was a commercial motorcyclist who appeared injured during the incident.
The man, whose blood-stained white singlet drew attention in the video, narrated how he narrowly escaped being killed.
According to him, he had initially become suspicious after noticing unusual movements along the road leading into Eziobodo.
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However, he said his passenger insisted on continuing the trip to the community despite growing concerns about insecurity in the area.
The victim, who appeared with medical plaster covering part of the left side of his head, explained that the situation quickly turned violent moments later, forcing him into a desperate struggle for survival.
The development triggered fear within the university environment and neighbouring communities, with many residents reportedly abandoning the streets and rushing indoors as the sound of gunfire spread across the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding the attack or identify those responsible for the invasion.
The incident has since generated reactions on social media, with many residents calling for increased security presence around the university community and other parts of the state.