The Igbo apex sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned the recent attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. The attack on the night of Sunday April 28, led to the tragic death of several villagers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday May 1, by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the killings as “a heinous and deliberate assault on our people, particularly those residing in border communities.” It dismissed any notion that the attack was an isolated incident, given some utterances it claimed were recently made by the Northern Elders Forum.
The group called on South-East governors, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to launch immediate investigation into the Nimbo incident.
The statement stated in part,
There is a disturbing pattern emerging, and we urge immediate action to uncover the truth behind these violent reprisals, We implore our leaders to rise to the occasion and provide the necessary protection for our communities under siege.
As we navigate through this perilous period, we call on South East residents to collaborate with community vigilante groups and security forces to enhance the security of our rural areas. We must remain vigilant and united in the face of potential attacks aimed at disrupting our farming seasons and creating false insecurities to hinder our food production.
Furthermore, the group recommended the enforcement of the ban on open grazing of cattle within the region, saying that cattle-rearers must be made to comply with established laws, and to respect the peace of their host communities.
Ohaneze extended condolences to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State and the bereaved families in the affected communities, while promising it will not rest until the perpetrators of the killings are brought to justice.
The April incident will not be the first time herdsmen have attacked communities in Uzo-Uwani. A 2016 similar attack reportedly led to the massacre of about 100 persons, according to some estimates. There has been other reported attacks in the area.
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