Armed Herdsmen Attack Enugu Community, Kill Three Farmers, Destroy Crops
Tension has engulfed the Mgbuji community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, following a brutal attack by armed herdsmen that left three farmers dead and several others injured. The attack, which occurred on Friday, has left residents in shock and fear.
Details of the Attack
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence reveal the gruesome nature of the assault. One victim was reportedly slaughtered on his rice farm, with a basket of freshly harvested cassava beside him. The herdsmen not only killed the farmers but also destroyed large swathes of rice farms, causing significant economic losses to the already embattled community.
This incident marks the resurgence of violence in Eha-Amufu, a community that has faced relentless attacks from suspected Fulani militias. Between 2017 and 2022, over 20 farm settlements were reportedly sacked, and at least 123 locals were killed during similar raids.
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Community Leader Speaks Out
A distressed community leader, Ogenyi Odoh, decried the attack and called on the federal and state governments to intervene. He described the latest incident as “savagely brutal” and questioned the motives behind the violence.
“Today, three people who went to their farms were killed in the most savage way. What was their offence? They simply went to farm. The herders entered their farms, started eating their crops, and when asked to leave, they killed them,” Odoh lamented.
He further alleged a conspiracy, citing the withdrawal of Nigerian Army personnel deployed to the area before the general elections. “How come the soldiers were withdrawn, and these attacks resumed? Only about six soldiers are stationed in Eha-Amufu, which borders Benue State for hundreds of kilometers. Our vigilantes are trying, but they are no match for herders armed with AK-47 rifles,” he said.
Victims Denied Medical Attention
The situation has been exacerbated by the rejection of wounded victims by the ESUT Teaching Hospital (Parklane) in Enugu due to an ongoing workers’ strike. One critically injured victim, reportedly butchered, was taken to a private hospital where a staggering ₦3 million was demanded before treatment could begin.
“Doctors are currently battling to save his life, but the financial burden is overwhelming,” Odoh revealed, further highlighting the dire state of healthcare access in the region.
Calls for Urgent Action
The community is calling for immediate intervention from the government and security agencies to prevent further bloodshed.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for comments were unsuccessful. He neither answered calls nor responded to text messages.
