A combined team of Nigerian security forces, including soldiers, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, violently attacked thousands of women protesting against herdsmen killings in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. The incident, which left several women injured, has sparked outrage and accusations of government complicity in suppressing reports of insecurity in the region.
According to SaharaReporters, the security forces were deployed by the Enugu State government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, allegedly to quell the protests and prevent the women from drawing attention to the ongoing herdsmen attacks in the area. The women, who had gathered to protest the killings, rapes, and destruction of property by suspected Fulani herdsmen, were met with live ammunition and teargas, resulting in chaos and injuries.
How the Protest Turned Violent
Community sources revealed that the protest began when the women apprehended two individuals accused of masterminding herdsmen attacks in Eha-Amufu. While one suspect escaped, the women paraded the other through the communities. In response, the government deployed soldiers, anti-riot police, and NSCDC personnel to intervene.
Mrs. Regina Odoh, one of the protest leaders, recounted the events: “On getting to Eke, the central market, hundreds of soldiers and policemen blocked us. We pleaded with the security agents to leave our way since they could not protect us. When the security agents refused, we went back to Eha-Ohala and hid him in Umujove community and reinforced in our hundreds and came back to the town.”
However, the security forces pursued the women, blocking major roads and surrounding them. “Immediately, they started shooting both live ammunition and teargas on the protesting women,” Odoh said. The women, accusing the security forces of aiding herdsmen atrocities, responded by pelting the officers with stones and sticks. In the ensuing chaos, four women were shot, and several others were injured. The wounded were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Allegations of Government Complicity
The protesting women accused local government officials, including Isi-Uzo Local Government Chairman Obiora Obeagu and his media aide, Israel Mgborogwu, of collaborating with herdsmen and profiting from the violence. In video clips shared with SaharaReporters, the women condemned the officials for downplaying the severity of the attacks.
One woman, identified as a spokesperson for the protesters, said, “Mr. Israel Mgborogwu is from Mgbuji community. He is an agent of government and collaborator of Fulani herdsmen. They claimed that the woman who died after Fulani herdsmen raped and inserted a stick in her private part didn’t die. They went and brought another woman who was earlier raped to claim that no raped woman died. This is a capital lie.”
She added that in the past two weeks alone, no fewer than four women had been raped on their farms by herdsmen. The protesters also highlighted the killing of Ndubuisi, a final-year graduate, and the shooting of his uncle, whose leg was injured during an attack on their compound. The assailants reportedly burned down two houses and looted four others.
Calls for Justice and Protection
The women expressed frustration over the government’s failure to protect them from herdsmen attacks and accused security forces of suppressing their outcry instead of addressing the root causes of the violence. “If the government and security agencies cannot protect us, they shouldn’t suppress our outcry,” one protester said.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of insecurity in Enugu State and the alleged complicity of government officials in perpetuating violence. The women’s protest underscores the urgent need for accountability and action to address the escalating crisis.
Implications for Enugu State and Beyond
The violent crackdown on the protesting women has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about the role of security forces in protecting citizens. The incident also highlights the growing tension between communities and herdsmen, a issue that has plagued several states in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and South-East regions.
The Enugu State government’s alleged attempt to suppress the protests has further eroded public trust in its ability to address insecurity and protect vulnerable populations. The incident could have far-reaching implications for governance, security, and community relations in the state.
Next Steps
As the injured women receive medical treatment, stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible for the violence. The Enugu State government must also address the underlying issues driving the protests, including herdsmen attacks, rape, and property destruction, to restore peace and confidence in the region.
The international community and human rights organizations are expected to monitor the situation closely, urging the Nigerian government to uphold its responsibility to protect citizens and ensure justice for victims of violence.
