Outrage, Tension In Nimbo As Fulani Herdsmen Return
Outrage, Tension In Nimbo As Fulani Herdsmen Return
There is intense tension and outrage in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State, following the return of Fulani herdsmen to the area.
This is coming on the heels of the postponement of the burial of 20 natives of the town who were allegedly massacred by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Independent reliably gathered that the burial of the 20 natives killed in an early morning invasion of the community by herdsmen on April 25, 2016, earlier scheduled for June 11 has been postponed to June 17, 2016.
However, when our correspondent visited Nimbo Wednesday, the atmosphere was tense as residents were apprehensive over the return of Fulani herdsmen to the community.
Farmers were said to have sighted them on Monday morning on their way to their farms and they ran back and reported to the community.
The development has raised fresh fears in the community as many residents have reportedly fled, while those left behind were terrified despite the presence of security personnel in the community.
An alert was immediately sent to the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Emmanuel Ojukwu, Commissioner of Police, on the development.
Ojukwu had mobilized the Area Commander for Nsukka, M. B Kuryas, who, along with the Divisional Police Officer, combed various farmlands in the area yesterday apparently in search of the herdsmen.
Confirming the development at his palace, Igwe John Akor, traditional ruler of the community, said there is “fresh fear in the community.”
“My people have not gone to the farm since Monday. Some have even fled the community on receiving the information. We have contacted the relevant authorities to report this latest development. Nothing is as offensive and hurting as to the fact that people who were killed few weeks ago are still in the mortuary and those injured still recuperating, for anybody to return here for grazing. My people are still mourning and we have made the President to know how pained we are”, he said
Meanwhile, the Police Area Commander, who returned to the palace of the traditional ruler with his DPO after combing the bushes confirmed the presence of the herdsmen, but said they were passing by.
Kuryas assured him that adequate security had been provided for safety of lives and property.
“The intelligence report we have is that the herdsmen were just passing by the farmlands. But we will ensure that nothing happens and that these herdsmen don’t come anywhere near here because the incident leading to the killing of natives is still very fresh” Kuryas said.
