TheCable

At least five people in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state were on Monday killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Ebere Amaraizu, spokesman of the police in the state, confirmed the incident to NAN in Nsukka.

Amaraizu said Nwodibo Ekechukwu, commissioner of police, had already moved to the local government to ensure the return of normalcy.

“The police are aware of the attack in Uzo-Uwani and the state commissioner of police is already there to ensure that the situation is brought under control.

“The police are also collaborating with sister security agencies like the army, civil defence and the Department of State Services to handle the situation.”

Cornell Onwubuya, chairman of Uzo-Uwani local government, also confirmed the incident, expressing regrets that in spite of efforts to stop the crisis through dialogue, the suspected Fulani herdsmen had continued to attack the people.

“Yes, there is serious problem in the local government as suspected Fulani herdsmen today attacked Nimbo community. Information reaching us say many people were killed but I do not know the actual number now,” he said.

A witness who pleaded anonymity said the suspected herdsmen, numbering up to 300, invaded the community with guns and machetes, shooting sporadically and killing people.

“As they were killing the people, they were also setting houses and vehicles ablaze,” he said.

“Many people have been killed; I do not have the actual number. The residents of Nimbo and motorists have fled the community for safety.”

Residents of Nsukka wept uncontrollably as the five bodies from Nimbo were being deposited at the Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka.

Dennis Ezema, a resident, urged the federal government to urgently intervene in the activities of the herdsmen before it escalates to a full-blown war.

“It is unfortunate that people can be mercilessly killed without human feeling,” he said. “You can see how these people were killed and sliced like bread; people should respect the sanctity of human life.”

Dozens who fled Nimbo are now taking refuge at some primary schools in Nsukka.