For years, the people of Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have lived under the terror of armed Fulani herdsmen, facing waves of gruesome killings, rapes, and mass displacement. These attacks have turned once-thriving indigenous communities into ones where the people live in constant fear of attacks by well-armed Fulani herders.
This community has recently been thrust into the national spotlight due to escalating tensions and conflicting reports concerning alleged attacks by herdsmen. On March 6, 2025, thousands of women from seven autonomous communities in Eha-Amufu organized a massive protest to decry the persistent assaults, rapes, and killings purportedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.
The protesters accused security agencies and certain government officials of complicity and inaction, highlighting that over 150 lives have been lost and numerous residents displaced since 2021.
The demonstrators, blocking a two-kilometer stretch of the Nkalagu-Eha-Amufu-Ikem-Obollo-Afor Federal Highway, voiced their anguish over the alleged atrocities. One protest leader, Mrs. Angela Ogenyi, criticized the Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Mr. Obiora Obeagu, labeling him a profiteer of the community’s suffering.
The Isi Uzo LGA chairman appears to see the protest by the victims as a politically motivated move by the ‘opposition’ in the community. This is quite regrettable because people died and this is not the first time such a calamity has happened here. Angela Ogenyi called upon Governor Peter Mbah to address the community directly, emphasizing that the residents feel neglected and are demanding immediate action.
In response to these allegations, community leaders and local officials have presented a contrasting narrative. The President-General of Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Donatus Odoh, refuted claims of recent mass killings, stating that while past incidents occurred, there have been no such events in recent times.
He also addressed rumors about a rape victim’s death, confirming that she is alive and recovering. Similarly, Chief Richard Ogenyi acknowledged past security challenges but asserted that the situation has improved significantly under the current administration.
The Enugu State government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, has also addressed the situation. Council Chairman Obiora Obeagu admitted existing security challenges but strongly denied reports of recent mass killings.
He highlighted several measures implemented to enhance security, including the deployment of over 150 soldiers and special forces, plans for military barracks in the border community, and the construction of a 21.7 km asphalt road to improve access to farmlands and bolster security. Obeagu attributed the protests to misinformation and political motives, urging the public to verify facts before concluding.
The situation escalated on March 18, 2025, when a combined team of Nigerian security agencies, including soldiers and police, reportedly confronted women protesters in Eha-Amufu. The confrontation resulted in injuries, with allegations that security forces were deployed to suppress reports of herdsmen attacks and insecurity in the state. Protesters accused the security agencies of failing to protect them and instead attempting to silence their grievances.
These conflicting accounts have created a complex and tense environment in Eha-Amufu. While community leaders and government officials assert that the security situation has improved, protesters and some residents continue to express fear and dissatisfaction, alleging ongoing attacks and inadequate protection. The Enugu State government faces increasing pressure to address these concerns.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected communities must be a top priority of the Enugu state government.
