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The Abia State Government has confirmed a fresh attack by people suspected to be armed herdsmen in Umunneochi Local Government Area. The sad news was shared on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia.
Mr Kanu said, “There have been some security problems in Umunneochi area, and sadly, some people have died.” He did not say how many people died but explained that security officers have been put on full alert. “We will use all our security methods and make sure nothing is left undone,” he added.
This attack happened just a day after a similar violent event in neighbouring Enugu State. On Sunday evening, gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen entered Agu-Amed community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA, and killed at least seven people. Two other people are still missing.
One of the villagers, Mr Osita Ogenyi, who lives in Agu-Amed, said, “The herdsmen did not shoot first. They started killing people with machetes. When others came out to help, they began shooting and then ran away.”
People living in Eha-Amufu have complained about these kinds of attacks for many years. Reports show that over 160 people have been killed in the area by herdsmen since 2021. Earlier this year, women from seven villages protested, asking the government to protect them better.
Now, both Abia and Enugu States are facing serious problems between farmers and herdsmen. Villagers say the herdsmen destroy their farms and take over their lands. Many people feel the government has not done enough to help or protect them.
In Abia, officials have promised to take quick action. But the people in the villages are afraid and worried. They are hoping that this time, the government will keep its promise and protect them before more lives are lost.
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