The Enugu state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the recent “unwarranted invasion, wanton destruction of lives and property including farmlands by Fulani herdsmen; of Okpokwu-Mgbuji community in Isi-Uzo LG of Enugu State.
The socio-cultural group noted that the attack “is the latest in the long list of carnage, mayhem, premeditated but unprovoked attacks by Fulani herdsmen in various communities in Enugu State.
“This latest carnage which occurred in the late hours of Sunday, August 1, 2021, left eight persons dead, including a pregnant woman and several others still missing as at the time of this press release,” the group disclosed in a statement signed by its president, Professor Odo Eze and secretary, Malachy Chuma Ochie, and made available to reporters.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State condemned the attack on the peaceful Mgbuji community pointing out that “this deliberate mass murder by these marauding herdsmen cannot be justified by any stretch of the imagination.
“We, therefore, condemn this attack in its totality as barbaric, provocative and a clear assault on the accommodative spirit of Ndi-Enugu State. We can no longer tolerate the intentional decimation of our people by Fulani herdsmen or any other group for that matter; not today, tomorrow or ever. This must stop. We, therefore call on all the security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the state to urgently identify and bring the culprits to book.”
Ohanaeze expressed their gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his prompt response to this security emergency; and for his appeal for calm in the affected community and the entire Enugu State.
“We are aware that the governor has at various times reached out to the leadership of Miyetti Allah in Enugu State with appeals to rein-in their men so that we can all live in peace.
“Regrettably, despite these peace initiatives and engagements by the governor, we have had repeated cases of killings by Fulani herdsmen in Enugu State including Uzo-Uwani, Nkanu-East, Awgu, Udi and Enugu-East LGAs.
“We wish to warn that the peaceful disposition of the governor and indeed the people of Enugu State should not be taken for granted or interpreted as a sign of weakness as no one has the monopoly of violence. Enough is enough,” Ohanaeze warned.
