At least four people are currently in the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds after a midnight attack by gunmen on Saturday in the Umu-Ezuboke Umualor community, located in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
One of the victims, Mr. Methodist Ejiagbo, shared his ordeal from his hospital bed: “Three months ago, some boys from Abakaliki came to my house and threatened to invade us. We live on farmland, and they said they would kill me and take over my house and land. One of them, Friday Ukeh, stated that he would take my house because it is the most beautiful one in the area.”
A community member, speaking anonymously due to fear of retaliation, reported that a driver from the Nimbo community, who worked for the Enugu State Transport Company, was fatally shot in the Opanda area three days prior to the Saturday attack.
The source further disclosed the presence of numerous herdsmen camps in the Ugboda, Adani, and Opanda areas of the council, attributing their establishment to the dense forests in these communities. The source also lamented the lack of police presence in Nimbo and other hotspots of herders’ attacks, emphasizing that villagers feel abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
According to the source, herders continue to enter Uzo-Uwani with trailer loads of cattle, emboldened by unknown supporters. The herders have started destroying farms with their animals, causing significant distress among the villagers. The source expressed bewilderment and frustration, questioning why the people of Uzo-Uwani are subjected to such inhumane treatment.
A police officer from the rapid response team deployed to the community reported that the entire area had been abandoned following the attack. The Enugu State Police confirmed the incident but could not provide immediate details. The police command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, acknowledged the attack and stated he was compiling a report, promising more information soon. As of the evening, no further details had been released by the police.
This recent violence is reminiscent of an attack in April 2016 when Fulani herdsmen targeted the Nimbo community, resulting in at least 14 deaths. In response to the latest incident, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, visited the community on Monday. He strongly condemned the attack and declared it unacceptable, pledging that the government would identify and prosecute those responsible.
Governor Mbah assured the residents, stating, “We will not tolerate any further exploitation of our hospitality. Those who choose to live among us must adhere to our laws and regulations. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. We cannot exist as a government if we fail to provide security for our people. The situation where our citizens live in constant fear must end immediately. We will employ all available resources—legal measures, law enforcement, and more—to ensure your safety.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, the President-General of Nimbo, Mr. Clement Akachukwu, explained that their attackers had targeted the community for decades due to its remote location. He expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his swift response and urged the government to bolster the Nimbo Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards to support existing security agencies.
Akachukwu noted that Nimbo is situated on the outskirts of Enugu State, directly along the border, which makes it easy for attackers to enter, commit atrocities, and retreat. He highlighted that the latest attack resulted in four deaths and reminded that about two months ago, several people were kidnapped but later rescued, though the kidnappers escaped. This pattern of violence has persisted for years, even before his birth.
He emphasized the need for enhanced support for community vigilantes, stressing that they require strengthening and adequate compensation to maintain 24-hour vigilance. Given the attackers’ familiarity with village routes and the extensive farmlands, local vigilantes are essential for effective protection. Akachukwu called for more vigilantes to be recruited and adequately supported to match the attackers and safeguard the community.
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