By Adadainfo
As the insecurity at Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State seems unabating, some natives have called for suspension of political activities in the state to enable accelerated solutions to the mayhem.
Our correspodent reports that over fifty persons have been killed since the attacks on the natives, mainly farmers, began about two weeks ago.
A native, Rev Canon Johnson Chigozie, said during a radio program of Energy 105.5fm, Enugu, that while the burial of one of the victims killed at Eboh two days ago was going on at Agamede yesterday, the attackers invaded again, and killed some mourners.
He said, “They attacked us yesterday again during the burial of one of the victims. They attacked Agamede yesterday. We told the governor to empower us. There is a political undertone.
“I have advised our people to vacate Eha-Amufu. Fifty persons were killed at Mgbuji alone. Agamede was a safe haven before. Even communities at Ikem have been deserted. If they conquer Eha-Amufu, Enugu State is gone.
“Why are our leaders telling our people to return to Eha-Amufu when there is still insecurity? Our leaders have not done enough. We saw a helicopter looking for Eastern Security Network locations, but not our invaders.”
A youth in the community that called during the program said, “They should empower us to defend our people. We can’t trust anybody. We want action, not meetings. Many were killed two days ago. Some yesterday. Political activities should be put on hold for concentrated solutions to our crises.”
Francis Ede, a commentator, said, “This season of Christmas would be the bleakest ever for Eha-Amufu. Our people are being annihilated in a way that would amount to genocide.
“These pictures and video clips coming out of our hometown of young men mowed down in their prime in their brave but futile efforts to defend their parents, brothers and sisters and overall population of Eha-Amufu town and their bodies mutilated in most qrotesque and mark of savagery have their uniqueness in their sordid characteristics and unmitigated sorrow.
“Also the pictures of other dead bodies of men, women and children being pushed on wheelbarrows from far-flung farm settlements and the pictures of displaced men, women and children loitering in nearby towns of Umualor, Ikem, Neke, Mbu in Isi-Uzo LGA and beyond with despair, anger, hunger, and starvation hung over their faces depict in exact terms what a forlorn situation and ruins that we are all into.
“Who will save the people of Eha-Amufu from the marauding Fulani herdsmen?”
There are however allegations that the natives of Eha-Amufu engaged Fulani herders to rear cows for them. A source, who does not want his name mentioned, said, “Eha-Amufu people rear cows, and are attacking themselves whenever cows are killed. We have seven communities and our traditional rulers are not talking. Lands for grazing are part of the problem.”
Meanwhile, the state government has convened an emergency security meeting today to find lasting solutions to the insecurity.
