The fear of a rumoured attacked by Fulani Herdsmen in Irete Autonomous Community in Owerrri West Local Area of Imo State, yesterday May 30, 2016 forced everyone in the community to go to sleep earlier than expected.
The rumour came up that the community had received a letter informing them that the herdsmen would be paying them a visit similar to the one that happened in Enugu state.
According to an indigene of the community, business activities shut down in most places as early as 9:00pm, turning the once beehive of activities into a ghost town. In some areas, only few youths were seen outside in caution, while the elderly especially women, remained inside under locks and keys.
Another source who spoke to us said it was just a rumour, revealing that the herdsmen never sent the community a letter. He however said that the community is not taking it lightly as they have been in several security consultations, just to be prepared in case the unexpected decides to happen.
He said that the rumour is a purported propaganda to threaten the peace that has been existing in the community and they are working hard to see everything return to normal again.
Armed military men have been seen in various parts of the community, while another group also rumoured that they say a trailer load of Fulani men entering the area on Sunday, May 29, 2016.
Even though none of these has not been confirmed, it is still affecting the people of the community as well as business activities and no one knows when this fear of Fulani herdsmen will end.
