The Abia State government on Monday confirmed a deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Umunneochi Local Government Area, a report by SaharaReporters says.
Briefing reporters at Government House, Umuahia, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said, “There have been some security breaches in the Umunneochi area of the state, leading to some fatalities.” He did not give an exact death toll but noted that all security agencies have been placed on full alert. “We will activate every part of our security network. No stone will be left unturned,” he added.
The incident mirrors recent violence in neighboring Enugu State. On Sunday evening, gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen stormed Agu‑Amed community in Eha‑Amufu, Isi‑Uzo LGA, leaving at least seven people dead and two missing. Residents say the attackers, wielding machetes, descended on the village around 4:30 p.m.
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“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,” Osita Ogenyi, said.
Osita Ogenyi, who lives in the community, described the scene: “They didn’t fire shots at first. They just started slaughtering people. When word spread and people rushed out, then they opened fire—then vanished.”
Enugu communities have long complained of similar raids. Local figures count 163 killings linked to herder attacks in Eha-Amufu since 2021. Women from seven villages protested earlier this year, pleading for better protection.
Both Abia and Enugu now face rising tension between farmers and nomadic herders, with villagers accusing the herdsmen of destroying farms and occupying land. Critics say state authorities have been slow to act, leaving rural residents to fend for themselves.
In Abia, officials insist they will respond swiftly. For frightened locals, the hope is that this time the promises turn into real security on the ground before more lives are lost.
