Nigerian elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has called on the South-East Governors and Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to convene an emergency security meeting over the armed herdsmen invasion and killings in Enugu State communities.
It could be recalled that armed Fulani herdsmen declared “war” on Agu-Amede, Mgbuji, and Ebo communities of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State and killed no fewer than 20 people including women and children.
It was reported that more villages were; equally sacked, forcing thousands of residents to flee to the internally displaced person camps.
Also, 14 villages in Agu-Amede and Mgbuji communities in Eha-Amufu were; sacked and occupied by armed herdsmen; who destroyed farmlands and crops worth millions of naira.
South-East
Reacting to the incessant attacks and killings in Eha-Amufu communities, in an interview with journalists in Owerri, the elder statesman, said an emergency meeting had become imperative so that political, religious, and traditional rulers would resolve the herders’ killings in Enugu.
While sympathizing with the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the attacks, he kicked against the destruction of farmlands by grazing the cows.
He said, “On behalf of the Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, I sympathize with all those who lost their lives in the recent attack at Enugu community and Ebonyi too, I equally appeal to the Federal Government; our people are peaceful and tolerant.
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“For many years, we have lived with herdsmen and we don’t have any problem with them but our problem is when herdsmen go to destroy peoples’ farmland. Many people took loans (to finance the farms) only to see their whole efforts gone. It is sad. That’s the problem we have.
“Federal Government should address it because it’s a serious matter. Many Igbo have lost their lives. Some fled their homes. Others had their houses demolished.
Insurgents
“They’re passing through serious trouble. We’re appealing to the Federal Government to intensify efforts in this matter. We appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government in all these insurgencies, but it’s their duty to ensure the security of lives and properties.
“So, South East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide should immediately convey an emergency security meeting where all the political, religious and traditional rulers will come together to address the herders clashes in Igbo community, especially in Enugu State.”
