Panic gripped the host community of the Federal University of Technology Owerri on Wednesday night after suspected gunmen reportedly invaded the Eziobodo area of Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Viral videos circulating on social media since midnight showed students, traders and motorists fleeing the area as gunshots reportedly echoed through the community.
One of the victims, a commercial motorcyclist, was seen in one of the videos seated on a bench with his white singlet stained with blood.
The victim, whose left side of the head appeared shaved and covered with medical plaster, narrated how he narrowly escaped death after his passenger insisted on continuing the journey to Eziobodo despite reports of danger in the area.
According to him, he noticed unusual activity along the road and attempted to confirm the situation before proceeding with the trip.
The incident triggered panic within the university environment and neighbouring communities, forcing many residents off the streets for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the assailants had yet to be officially confirmed.
