Residents of Eha-Amufu, a community in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been forced to flee their homes as suspected herdsmen overran farm settlements and occupied houses, schools, and places of worship. More than 44 farm settlements, known locally as ‘Ndiagu,’ have been taken over, leaving thousands of people homeless.
The affected communities include Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu. The most recent attack occurred on February 28, 2025, in Ndiagu Amofia village, Umuhu Eha-Amufu, where residents were chased away by armed herdsmen. Similar incidents have been reported in several villages, including Abor, Umujoovu, Agu-Amede, and Mgbuji, with herdsmen settling in abandoned homes with their families.
Residents who escaped the attacks now seek refuge in neighboring towns and the Enugu metropolis. Many have lost their means of livelihood, as their farmlands and properties have been taken over. Speaking on the matter, Chief Obeagu Odoh, a community leader, lamented that many displaced families have not received any assistance.
“Some people are squatting with relatives, while others have rented houses in nearby towns. No one dares to return to the farm settlements because the herdsmen either kill, kidnap, or wound anyone who tries,” Odoh said.
A resident, Chigbo Okibe, noted that three farmers from Abor who went to harvest their crops last year are still missing. He revealed that the incident was reported to the Enugu State Police Command, but no arrests have been made.
“The security agencies are doing nothing. The herdsmen are living in our homes while we remain displaced. The government has abandoned us,” Okibe stated.
The crisis, which started in 2002, worsened in 2020 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Residents claim that security forces only visit the community after an attack to collect bodies of the dead but fail to prevent further violence. A woman leader, Mrs. Chinyere Odoebe, expressed frustration over the lack of government intervention.
“We don’t have weapons to defend ourselves. It is only the hunters and local vigilantes trying to protect us, and they are using Dane guns. Meanwhile, the attackers are armed with AK-47 rifles. If security agents see us with Dane guns, they accuse us of carrying weapons, but when herdsmen attack, they do nothing,” she said.
Another resident, Mrs. Angela Ogenyi, stated that the total number of deaths from the crisis exceeds 180, adding that people are still being killed or injured when they attempt to farm.
“We reported to the State CID when two of our people went missing, but up till now, nothing has been done. Yet, some government officials keep claiming that everything is calm. The truth is that people are suffering,” Ogenyi lamented.
Chibuzo Olinya, a displaced farmer, described how the herdsmen burned houses and removed roofing sheets from Catholic churches and schools in the settlements.
“Some of our people who tried to reclaim their homes found Fulani women living in them. When they asked them to leave, they called their men, who immediately surrounded them with AK-47 rifles. This is a deliberate attempt to take over our land,” Olinya said.
Attempts to get a response from the Enugu State Police Command and Governor Peter Mbah’s media office were unsuccessful. The police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls or text messages, while the state government remained silent on the crisis.
