The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed recent online reports alleging that herdsmen have taken over homes and schools in Eha-Amufu, describing the claims as “false, misleading, and sensationalized.”
In an official statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command clarified that no part of Eha-Amufu or any other community within Enugu State has been invaded or placed under siege. According to the statement, the purported “overrun farm settlements” are merely temporary shelters used by farmers, who routinely return to their ancestral villages.
The Command further explained that while there were incidents of farmer-herder conflicts in Eha-Amufu during 2021 and 2022, effective joint security operations have since restored peace and stability in the area.
Government Efforts to Strengthen Security
The Enugu State Police Command also acknowledged the proactive measures taken by the state government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to reinforce security in the region. These measures include:
- Deploying 150 military personnel alongside well-equipped Special Forces to maintain peace.
- Constructing the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu Mgbuji-Ogbete access road to enhance security and improve connectivity within the community.
These interventions, according to the police, have significantly improved the security landscape in Eha-Amufu and its surroundings.
Warning Against Misinformation
The police criticized the platform responsible for publishing the misleading report, stating that it used unrelated images to fabricate a false narrative. A forensic digital analysis revealed that the images in question were originally taken from incidents in neighboring states. Notably, some of the photos were previously shared by Amnesty International regarding an attack on Nkalaeha community on February 4, 2025.
Assurance of Safety and Call for Public Cooperation
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, urged residents to disregard the unfounded claims and reassured them of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
He also encouraged members of the public, particularly those in Eha-Amufu, to remain law-abiding, collaborate with security agencies, and report genuine security concerns through official communication channels.
The Police Command reiterated its stance against fear-mongering and called on media outlets to exercise responsible journalism by verifying information before publication to prevent unnecessary panic within the public.
