The death toll from an unprovoked deadly attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agu-Amed autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu Local Government Area of Enugu State, rose to 12 on Tuesday, after more bodies were recovered from the bushes.
Residents claimed that the recent attack occurred on Sunday evening, from assailants dropping from helicopters and invading the peaceful community.
The Fulani attackers reportedly killed any male they sighted.
Video clips showed residents crying uncontrollably after more recovered bodies were brought home.
Residents of Eha-Amufu bordering communities with Benue State have started fleeing their homes as threats of imminent attacks got to them, local sources said on Tuesday.
On Monday, some seven residents of Ikpakpara village in Agu-Amed, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu Local Government Area of Enugu State, were brutally massacred by armed herdsmen.
It had reported that several others were still missing as search parties had been launched to recover the missing residents dead or alive.
Community leaders feared the death toll may increase as more people are still missing.
A resident said: “Because of the unprovoked attacks imposed on Agu-Amed and Mgbuji autonomous communities, residents are no longer going to their farms to even harvest what they will eat. We are appealing to government relief agencies to come to our assistance because hunger are going to many people.
“Since last night our people have been keeping watch on borders with Benue as the assailants planning to overrun Eha-Amufu border communities.
“We are marvelled that the security agencies cannot monitor attacks from sky or even deploy aircraft to track the criminals. Where are the police surveillance helicopters distributed across police state commands during the former President Jonathan’s administration?
The attack is the latest in a series of violent assaults by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of farmers and widespread sexual violence against women.
Sunday’s attack is the second attacks in one week, coming nearly three months after women from seven autonomous communities in Eha-Amufu protested against incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
The protests highlighted the killings of hundreds of farmers and raping of women since 2021.
According to reports, at least 152 persons have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu between 2021 and March 2025.
Over 49 kidnapped cases have also been recorded, with about 20 persons still missing from several attacks.
With the recent killings, the tally has increased from 152 to 168 killed between 2021 and June 17, 2025.
Community leaders have expressed frustration and desperation, lamenting the government’s inability to prevent these attacks or engage the assailants.
