Herdsmen attack Enugu community, slaughter 10 persons, two policemen
The people of Ogbeke-Agbani, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State woke up at midnight of 23rd of August, 2023 to behold a horror scene left behind by rampaging Fulani herdsmen.
No fewer than 10 locals and two policemen lost their lives to the night attack.
This is the second time the herdsmen would be striking in the area within a spate of two months.
A community source said Fulani herdsmen have also repeatedly attacked the agrarian community since 2019.
It was gathered that the latest attack was an alleged revenge mission over the killing of some cows by the villagers.
In addition, a source hinted that having taken over our farmland, the herdsmen invaded our village and murdered a woman with her child.
The Chairman of the Ogbeke-Agbani neighbourhood watch group, Mr. Silas Onwe confirmed the incident to journalists.
He said several efforts made to broker peace between the herdsmen and the community were futile.
Speaking to journalists on the phone, Onwe who could hardly control his tears said his brother was also butchered like a fowl.
“They stormed our community in the wee hours of the night and launched an unprovoked attack.
“They were killing people and setting houses ablaze; no less than ten persons were murdered, while others had life-threatening injuries.
“The traditional ruler, Igwe Okechukwu Nwobodo, quickly contacted the police who arrived at the place and had a shootout with the rampaging herdsmen.
“Two policemen lost their lives during the exchange of fire,” he said.
Onwe listed the victims to include: Emeka Ogbodo, Ifeanyi Onwe, Chukwuma Orji, Chidera Nnamani, Onyekachi Nnaji, Ikechukwu Nnam, Onyema Ngene, Okechukwu Njokwu, Chibuzo Nnaji and Eberechukwu Nnamani.
Also speaking on the incident, the traditional ruler, Igwe Nwobodo called on the State Government as well as police hierarchy to come to the aid of the community.
“We are all living in fear; nobody can go to farm any longer; many of our people have fled their homes,” he cried out.
Meanwhile, the police said they were still on the trail of the killer herdsmen.
