Palpable tension has gripped residents of Enugu State as indications emerged over the weekend of a looming attack by the Fulani herdsmen who have have regrouped in bushes on Iga community’s corridor, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.
Meanwhile, the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo during meeting in Enugu State on Sunday, May 1, 2016 suggested that all security heads in the state should be removed from office over their ineptitude which led to the death of scores during the Fulani herdsmen attacks in Ukpabi, Nimbo communities on Monday, April 25, 2016.
The Imeobi, which is the highest decision organ of the group, in a statement, said: “Imeobi expresses disappointment at the obvious security lapses which allowed these heinous acts to be committed in Nimbo community.
“Imeobi, therefore, calls on Enugu State Government and the Federal Government to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out with a view to ensuring that all those responsible for the lapses are made to account and be punished for their action.
“Imeobi mandates Ohanaeze leadership to take all necessary actions to ensure that such incident never again occurs in any other part of the South-East geopolitical zone.
“Imeobi endorses the position of Ohanaeze on rejection of the proposed Grazing Bill. Cattle grazing is private business and, therefore, should not be done in a manner that individual’s or community’s rights are infringed upon.
“Imeobi views with grave concern and unequivocally, condemns the recent slaughter by Fulani herdsmen of our defenceless kith and kin in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.”
The state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had demanded explanation from the security agencies on their whereabouts between 6.30 and 7.30a.m. last Monday, but the government is yet to receive a response 48 hours after the call.
It was gathered that residents have now resorted to self-help, arming themselves to ward off impending threats, following the ineptitude of the security operatives in neighbouring Nimbo community.
A dependable source who disclosed the Fulani herdsmen’ plans to Vanguard, revealed that the herdsmen were emboldened from the high casualty rate recorded during the last Monday’s bloodbath.
Further investigation revealed that there might be a clash in Adani community where the northerners bought parcels of land and built residential houses on them which has over time, turned into a settlement for the Hausa community.
The natives of Adani community who are currently living in fear for their lives, are said to have resolved to rid their area of the Hausa community following increasing attacks in the state.
Principal officials of the Movement Against the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, executives on Sunday, May 1, 2016 rose from an emergency meeting in Okwe, MASSOB headquarters.
A statement made by it’s leader, Uchenna Madu, said: “President Muhammadu Buhari’s sudden, pressurised U-turn and presidential order against Fulani’s herdsmen is a complete political jamboree which can never hold any water.
“It is a hypocritical exhibition meant to deceive the Igbo and Christians in general.
“More coordinated military camouflaged pogroms is coming; it shall continue to be disguised as Fulani’s herdsmen, but the real men behind these pogroms are Islamic Arewa Army, ISAA, established to conquer, actualise the Islamic, political, economical, social command of Othman Dan Fodio, Ahmadu Bello, Sarduana of Sokoto, using the minority North (Middle Belt) to fight against the Christian South.
“MASSOB warns that Ndigbo should hold their governors much responsible for any invasion of our land by foreigners.”
