Residents of Umuahia were thrown into panic over the weekend after a young man, visibly disturbed and armed with a machete, began chasing unsuspecting passersby in broad daylight.
Eyewitnesses said the man roamed freely through major roads in the city, causing chaos and fear. Some people narrowly escaped being attacked, while others quickly took cover or ran for safety. One witness described the scene as “terrifying,” saying, “People were just running up and down. We didn’t know if he was targeting anyone or just acting on impulse.”
The incident quickly gained attention after a video showing the man swinging the machete surfaced online, sparking public concern and calls for urgent intervention. Many expressed frustration that such a threat could go unchecked for hours in the heart of the state capital.
Responding swiftly, the Abia State Police Command confirmed that the suspect was eventually apprehended by officers from the Central Police Station in Umuahia. According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, preliminary assessments suggest that the man may be mentally unstable.
“The Abia State Police Command was alerted about a young man, suspected to be of unsound mind, seen roaming the streets in Umuahia with a machete,” DSP Chinaka said. “The DPO was notified and has confirmed that the individual was apprehended and disarmed.”
As of now, investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s background and ensure he receives proper medical attention. Meanwhile, residents are urging authorities to take proactive steps to address mental health issues and tighten street security to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
