The Abia State government has confirmed an attack by armed herdsmen in the Umunneochi local government area, resulting in several fatalities.
The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who was silent on the casualty figures, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday.
“There have been some security breaches in the Umunneochi area of the state, leading to some fatalities,” Kanu said, adding that the state security agencies had been put on full alert to address the security issue.
He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned in activating its entire security architecture to tackle the problem.
This incident is reminiscent of similar attacks experienced in neighbouring Enugu State, where suspected Fulani herdsmen have been wreaking havoc on communities.
In a recent attack in Agu-Amed Autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State, at least seven residents were killed, and two others are still missing.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday around 4:30pm, has left residents in shock and fear.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants were dropped from helicopters that also hovered over the community until after the attack.
“Currently, there’s uncertainty in my community. Armed Fulani herdsmen invaded Agu-Amed Autonomous Community on Sunday evening. They killed seven people; we have recovered their bodies in a savagery manner and two are still missing,” a resident, Osita Ogenyi, said.
The attack has reignited concerns about the security situation in Enugu State and the need for urgent action to address the farmer-herder crisis. Community leaders have expressed frustration and anger, lamenting the government’s inability to prevent these attacks or engage the assailants.
“This attack was a surprise one. They invaded the community around 5 pm and they didn’t shoot their guns initially. They were slaughtering people with machetes until when people got the information, they started shooting. Before you know it, they disappeared,” Ogenyi added.
The recent attack comes barely three months after women from seven autonomous communities in Eha-Amufu protested incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
According to reports, at least 152 persons have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu between 2021 and March 2025, with the recent killings increasing the tally to 163.
In Abia State, the government has vowed to take decisive action to address the security breaches and prevent further incidents.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the region, with some communities accusing the herders of destroying their farmlands and crops.
The Abia State government has faced criticism over its handling of security issues, with some communities demanding greater protection from the authorities. The government must take concrete actions to prevent further attacks and protect the lives of the people.
The situation in both Abia and Enugu states highlights the need for urgent action to address the farmer-herder crisis and ensure the security of communities.
