Enugu community deserted over herdsmen’s attack

FEAR of uncertainty is still engulfing the people of Ndiagu-Attakwu community in Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State, one year after the area was invaded by armed persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

It will be recalled that a Catholic Seminarian was killed by the blood thirsty herdsmen during the raid that almost led to civil disturbance by the angry residents of the community. It took the quick intervention of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to douse the tension generated by the act.

Nigerian Tribune who was on the entourage of a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by its National President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, last Thursday, observed  during the visit that many of the villagers had deserted the  troubled community apparently for fear of another invasion by the herdsmen.

It took the CAN delegation several hours to reach some of the survivors of the attack as many of them had taken to their heels for safety in neighbouring communities. The religious body  donated relief materials to the victims and prayed for them.

The traditional ruler of Attakwu community, Igwe Gregory Ugwu, said that the community had been quiet since the incident, stressing that “the community is still living in fear because the Fulani herdsmen that attacked the community are still living in the community.

“We appreciate what the state government is doing especially in the area of security. We can feel the police presence here, but as human beings many of us are still living in fear. Those who attacked us are still living with us”, the Igwe added.

While presenting the relief materials which included rice and clothes, Reverend  Ayokunle condemned the acts of violence perpetrated against the people of the community, but advised them not to be hostile to strangers as reprisal to the herdsmen attack.

“We sympathise with you as the body of Christ. Do not lose heart, God is able to take care of all your concerns. With your faith in Him, He will send people who will help you.

“It is unfortunate that the people you have decided to accommodate turned around to attack you. Don’t become hostile to strangers because of the actions of these herdsmen men,” Ayokunle advised.

In Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state where herdsmen also struck last year, there was relative peace as herdsmen have been sacked by the villagers.

However, armed policemen and private security operatives called “Neighbourhood  Watch” were seen parading the area.

Earlier on a courtesy call to the traditional ruler of Nimbo community, Igwe John Akor, the CAN leader sympathised with the traditional ruler for what he termed “the murderous acts of people who have being raping women and killing people indiscriminately.”