The agrarian communities of the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu State are living in fear as insurgents, reportedly herdsmen, intensify their attacks, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
At least 25 people have lost their lives, and many more are injured, with families fleeing to neighbouring states in search of safety.
The local vigilante group is sounding the alarm, criticising the delayed security response.
“The incident became horrifying as the new Enugu Police Commissioner, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, last week denied publicly that there was any sign of insecurity problems,” said Godwin Ezugwu, a member of the group.
Recent atrocities include the brutal killing of vigilante, Chijioke Anioke, at Ekenwaozege junction, the cold-blooded murder of Nwa Black in Opanda, Adani, and the kidnapping of Entraco driver Patty Ozor, with one passenger shot dead.
These incidents have left communities on edge, wondering when the next attack would come.
Community leaders have sent a distress call to Governor Peter Mbah, expressing their frustration and disappointment over the inaction of Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman Chijioke Ezugwu, a former vigilante leader.
They report frequent farmers’ abductions and killings over the past two months, with no end in sight.
In desperation, opinion leaders are urging communities to arm themselves for self-defence, citing the Department of State Services, Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi’s warning that “Fulanis have declared war on Nigerians, especially Southern Nigeria.”
The situation is further complicated by the state government’s apparent disregard for a proposed 2024 security summit aimed at addressing these issues.
No fewer than four farmers including women were killed in their farm at Adani community in Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The victims were slaughtered in their farms on Tuesday, April 8, in the afternoon, when the assailants invaded their farms.
A resident of Adani community, Chijindu Omeje, who confirmed the incident told SaharaReporters revealed that his cousin’s in-law named Emenike who was in his early 40s was among the four people killed by Fulani herdsmen including a tree feller.
