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For many years, people living in Eha-Amufu, a community in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been facing serious attacks. These attacks are from people suspected to be herdsmen. The problem has now become worse, and many families have lost their homes, farms, and even schools.
At least 44 farm settlements, known as 'Ndiagu,' have been taken over. The people who used to live there have run away because they are afraid. Some of the affected places are Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu.
The latest attack happened on February 28. The herdsmen entered Ndiagu Amofia village in Umuhu Eha-Amufu and forced the people to leave. Now, the villagers are homeless and have run to other places for safety.
In Abor, about nine farm settlements have been taken over. The same thing has happened in Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Mgbuji communities. The herdsmen have not only occupied homes, but they have also taken over schools and churches.
The worst part is that this problem did not start today. According to reports, the attacks began in 2002. However, things became more dangerous in 2020 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The herdsmen did not just destroy farms and houses, they also chased away the people and made sure they could not return.
A man from the community, Chief Obeagu Odoh, told reporters that many people are now suffering. Some are living in Enugu city, while others are staying with relatives. Those who tried to return to their farms were either killed, kidnapped, or barely escaped with their lives.
Chigbo Okibe, another resident, said that in December 2024, some people from Abor went to check their farms, but they never came back. Their families reported to the police, but till now, nothing has been done.
Many people have asked the government for help, but there has been no response. Okibe said that the only thing the government did was to build roads in some areas. Soldiers were once sent to Mgbuji, but after some time, they left, and the herdsmen returned.
A woman leader, Mrs Chinyere Odoebe, said that the community is now helpless. She explained that the herdsmen are heavily armed with guns, while local hunters and vigilantes only have Dane guns, which are not enough to defend themselves. She also said that security officers do not seem to take action when these attacks happen.
According to Mrs Odoebe, the herdsmen have a plan to take over the whole of Eha-Amufu. She fears that if nothing is done, people may lose their land forever. She also said that some politicians are trying to cover up the truth by saying nothing is happening.
Another resident, Mrs Angela Ogenyi, said that before the recent attacks, more than 180 people had already been killed. Many others have been kidnapped or injured. She explained that even when it looks like things are calm, the killings still continue in the farms.
Chibuzo Olinya, who also lost her home, said that the herdsmen have destroyed houses, churches, and schools. Some houses were burnt down, while others had their roofs removed.
When villagers returned, they found Fulani families living in their homes. When they tried to talk to them, they were surrounded by armed men and had to run for their lives.
The situation has made life very difficult for the people. Before, farmers used to work on their lands and send food to their children in the cities. Now, they cannot farm, and their children have to take care of them. Food is becoming scarce, and many families do not know what to do.
People are asking why the government has refused to help. Some believe that there is an agreement between the herdsmen and people in power. Others wonder why herdsmen who were once peaceful have now turned violent.
Attempts to get a response from the Enugu State Police Command have not been successful. The police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, has not answered calls or replied to messages. The Enugu State Government has also remained silent, and efforts to reach Governor Peter Mbah have failed.
For now, the people of Eha-Amufu continue to live in fear. Many do not know if they will ever return to their homes. Some have lost their loved ones, and others are struggling to survive. They are still hoping that one day, the government will take action and help them reclaim their land.
