Tension and fear have taken hold of the agrarian communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, as violent attacks by armed assailants believed to be herdsmen continue to devastate the region.
Residents are reeling from a surge of brutal incidents that have claimed at least 25 lives, left many others injured, and driven scores of families to seek refuge in neighbouring states.
The situation on the ground is dire. Local vigilante groups, who have been on the frontline of community protection, are raising the alarm over the government’s slow and inadequate security response. Godwin Ezugwu, a member of the community’s security watch, expressed frustration, particularly pointing fingers at the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who, just last week, reportedly downplayed the severity of the attacks.
“What we’re experiencing is no longer just insecurity, it is war. Yet the Commissioner claimed publicly that there are no signs of security challenges in our area. How can he say that with so many lives lost?” Ezugwu lamented.
Among the most harrowing recent incidents are the gruesome murder of a local vigilante member, Chijioke Anioke, at Ekenwaozege junction, the killing of a man identified as Nwa Black in Opanda, Adani, and the abduction of a commercial driver named Patty Ozor. The kidnappers reportedly shot one of Ozor’s passengers during the ordeal. These events have intensified fear among residents, many of whom now live in daily anticipation of the next attack.
Community and opinion leaders have directed an urgent appeal to Governor Peter Mbah, calling for immediate action to protect their people. They expressed deep disappointment in the perceived inaction of Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman, Chijioke Ezugwu—a former vigilante leader himself—whom they accuse of failing to respond effectively to the crisis engulfing the region.
“Over the past two months, farmers in our communities have been abducted, assaulted, or killed almost weekly. Our people can no longer go to their farms. Hunger is looming, and so is anarchy if nothing is done,” one village elder warned.
As official efforts remain lacking, desperation is growing among the locals. Some opinion leaders are now encouraging community members to prepare for self-defence, warning that continued passivity could lead to total collapse of security in the area. Citing a reported warning by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, that “Fulanis have declared war on Nigerians, especially in the South,” they argue that the threat is too grave to ignore.
Adding to the community’s frustration is the government’s apparent disinterest in a proposed 2024 state security summit, which many hoped would address the deteriorating situation in Uzo-Uwani and other volatile regions across Enugu State.
For now, Uzo-Uwani remains on edge its people caught between the threat of violence and the hope that authorities will finally act before more lives are lost.
