25 Killed as Insurgents Intensify Attacks in Enugu’s Uzo-Uwani LGA

Agrarian Communities Under Siege as Families Flee to Neighboring States

Abuja – At least 25 people have been killed and dozens injured in violent attacks by suspected herdsmen insurgents in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, according to local reports.

The attacks, targeting farming communities in what is known as Enugu’s food basket region, have forced many families to flee to neighboring Anambra and Kogi states for safety, while others remain on high alert.

Security Response Criticized

Godwin Ezugwu, a member of the local vigilante group, described the terrifying situation while criticizing 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,” Ezugwu stated.

He detailed several recent violent incidents, including:

• The machete killing of vigilante Chijioke Anioke at Ekenwaozege junction
• The murder of Nwa Black in Opanda, Adani
• The kidnapping of ENTRACO driver Patty Ozor, with one passenger shot dead

Community Leaders Sound Alarm

Local leaders have sent an urgent appeal to Governor Peter Mbah, expressing frustration over the inaction of Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman Chijioke Ezugwu, a former vigilante leader who has now been summoned for questioning.

Reports indicate frequent abductions and killings of farmers over the past two months. Citing DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, opinion leaders are urging communities to arm themselves for self-defense, with one warning: “Fulanis have declared war on Nigerians, especially Southern Nigeria.”

Security Summit Proposal Ignored

The situation has been exacerbated by the state government’s reported failure to act on a proposed 2024 security summit put forward by Senator Chuka Utazi and Uzo-Uwani Professionals in Nsukka, raising concerns about the unchecked insurgency.

For more details, read the original report.