Suspected herders invade Enugu communities, kill scores 




Many people have been reportedly killed in Agu-Amede, Mgbuji and Eboh communities in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu state, Tuesday, by suspected Fulani herders.

It was gathered that the attack, which was still ongoing as at Tuesday afternoon, first started on Saturday when armed herders carrying heavy weapons, invaded Ohualu Mgbede village in Agu-Amede on Saturday and Monday.

They reportedly killed eight people. One person was killed on Saturday while seven including and women were killed on Monday, community source told our correspondent. 

A community leader, Samuel Ezeh, who confirmed the incident, said the armed Fulani herders had declared war on Eha-Amufu communities, adding that between Saturday and Tuesday, they had killed no fewer than 15 people while so many others were wounded. 

Eze said, “Yesterday’s attack was carried out in a village called Ohualu Mgbede and seven persons were confirmed dead. That is, those we have recovered their corpses.

“This morning the Fulani herdsmen came again in a village called Iyi Asa though no death has been reported yet.”

Another resident of Eha-Amufu, who gave his name as Onyekachi Odo, said that the armed Fulani herdsmen were attacking villages in Mgbuji community and neighbouring Eboh community.

According to him they launched the attack in the early hours of Tuesday, when people were waking up from sleep.

“Those who left early for farm are most affected. In short the Fulani herdsmen have declared full war on Eha-Amufu communities. Early in the year they sacked 14 villages, looted properties and burnt houses. 

“Now they have come down to Eha-Amufu towns. The village of the Labour Party Governorship Candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Hon Chijioke Edeoga, has been sacked.”

Spokesman of Mgbuji community, Chijioke Ogbodo, confirmed the attack describing it as an act of war.

“Since they (Fulani militias) started attacking our community neither the police nor the military had arrested one of the terrorists. 

“We received the information on the attack this morning and alerted all the security agencies. I called the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; I called the State Director of Security Services and I called the state Commissioner of Police.” 

When the Enugu state Police Command spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, was contacted for reaction, he simply said in a text message, “I have to verify that please.”