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The Amorji Nike Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has been deserted after deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of residents, destruction of farms and properties.
Our reporter gathered that the agrarian people of the community have faced multiple attacks, with survivors abandoning their homes and farms due to constant insecurity and little or no government protection.
The latest incident, which occurred on January 5, 2019, left six community members brutally murdered by the rampaging herdsmen militia.
Among those killed were Okoh Simon, Ugwu Chialuka, Eze Chukwuebuka, Chioma Ngwu, Bridget Ekete and Chinenye Ezea.
The victims were killed after youths from the community confronted herdsmen who destroyed their crops and farmland with their cows.
It was reported that youths from the community had confronted some herdsmen who destroyed their crops and farmland with their cows, only for the herders to regroup and attack the community with dangerous and sophisticated weapons, killing six people and setting some houses ablaze, while many sustained various degrees of injuries.
Speaking to newsmen, Mr Sunday Okwor, a youth leader from the community confirmed that their community has been deserted despite State governments promise that security agencies will be drafted to the area to restore normalcy.
“Amorji Nike community is like a ghost town now, the latest attack on our people by the militant herdsmen have regnited fear among our people.
“The attacks have led to a significant displacement of people as Chinonso Ekete and his three siblings who lost their mother in the attack have fled Nigeria due to fear of being killed.
“Something should be done urgently to stop this incessant killing and attack on communities who are just protecting their farm against the barbaric herdsmen militants. Currently, weeds and reptiles have overtaken our community and the people are not ready to return,” he said.
Recall that Fulani herdsmen have sustained their attacks on agrarian communities in the southeast States over incessant conflict between farmers and herdsmen.
The community is demanding urgent action from the government to safeguard lives and property. The attack has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among residents, who are now afraid to return home or go back to their farms.
Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, did not answer his calls or respond to a text message seeking his comment.
