● Ferdy Agu
At least 25 people have been reportedly killed and many more injured in a wave of violent attacks in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, as – suspected insurgents – reportedly armed herdsmen – continue to target rural farming communities.
The surge in violence has forced hundreds of residents to flee to neighboring Anambra and Kogi states, while those remaining live in fear, bracing for further attacks in what is often called Enugu’s food basket.
According to news monitored from The Sun News Online today, April 14, 2025, Godwin Ezugwu, a local vigilante, described the situation as dire and criticized the sluggish response from security agencies. “It became terrifying, especially after the new Enugu State Police Commissioner, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, denied any signs of insecurity just last week,” he said.
Ezugwu cited several recent incidents, including the brutal machete killing of vigilante Chijioke Anioke at Ekenwaozege junction, the murder of a man known as Nwa Black in Opanda, Adani, and the abduction of ENTRACO driver Patty Ozor, during which a passenger was shot dead.
Community leaders have sent an SOS to Governor Peter Mbah, expressing anger over the alleged inaction of Uzo-Uwani LGA Chairman Chijioke Ezugwu, himself a former vigilante, who has now been summoned for questioning. Locals report a steady rise in abductions and killings of farmers over the past two months.
Quoting DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, opinion leaders warned communities to prepare for self-defense. “Fulanis have declared war on Nigerians, especially in Southern Nigeria,” one community elder said.
Meanwhile, frustration has grown after a proposed 2024 security summit – put forward by Senator Chuka Utazi and the Uzo-Uwani Professionals group in Nsukka – was reportedly dismissed by the state government, further fueling concerns about the deteriorating security situation.
