Tension is high in Neke and surrounding communities in
Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State over the reported invasion of the
area by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
DAILY POST learnt that the herdsmen, who stormed the border
communities with sophisticated weapons, continued sporadic shootings from
Monday night up till Tuesday.
The situation has thrown residents into panic and anxiety
with residents reportedly fleeing the area.
As of the time of filing this report, it is still unclear if
casualties have been recorded in the attack.
A native of Neke community, Mr. Chidi Odoh, who confirmed
the shootings to journalists, said it started since Monday night at Ndiagu
Umuegwu, an area between Neke and Obollo communities.
“I even heard the gunshots not more than five minutes ago.
They have been shooting there since last night but our people have mobilized to
go there,” Odoh said.
The Security Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Gen. Fred
Eze (rtd) however, said the situation was not as bad, based on the interim
report he received.
Eze said it maybe herdsmen moving from the North to Ebonyi
State, adding that he has mobilized both the army and the divisional police
office at Ikem to the scene.
He said: “Based on the interim report before me, there is
no cause for alarm and security operatives have been dispatched to the area. I
even spoke with the leader of herdsmen in Isi-Uzo who told me he directed the
herdsmen to leave Neke.
“I am also aware that Neke community has not had issues with
herdsmen earlier than now and so the situation is being monitored.”
Also, the Caretaker committee Vice Chairman of Isi-Uzo local
government, Engr. Samuel Ugwede stated that they were moving with security
personnel to the area.
The development is coming few days after residents of
Ndiagu-Umunafor, Mburubu, in Nkanu-East Council Area of the State, raised the
alarm about the movement of armed herdsmen in their community.
It was gathered that the herdsmen, who are reportedly
possessing dangerous weapons, took over farms in the community, destroying farm
crops.
By Emmanuel Uzodinma
