Eha-Amufu secure again as Bishop Olinya refutes killings

DDM News

The Anglican Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya, has dismissed recent reports of mass killings and arson in Eha-Amufu.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports he clarified that the attacks being referenced actually took place in Nkala-Eha, a community in Ebonyi State, and not in Eha-Amufu.

Many people mistakenly attributed the violence to Eha-Amufu because both communities share a boundary, leading to widespread misinformation.

The bishop addressed journalists after briefing Governor Peter Mbah on the true security situation in Eha-Amufu.

He acknowledged that the region had suffered attacks by suspected herders in previous years, especially between 2020 and 2022.

During that period, entire communities and farm settlements were completely abandoned due to persistent violence and fear.

Many residents, including the bishop himself, were forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Some sought refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, while others relocated to townships to escape the violence.

However, Bishop Olinya emphasized that security in Eha-Amufu had greatly improved under Governor Mbah’s administration.

He noted that peace had returned to the area, and residents were gradually resettling in their homes and farms.

Unlike previous years, people now feel safe enough to move freely within the community without fear of attacks.

The bishop recalled how, in December 2022, many people had to flee Eha-Amufu to avoid being caught in the conflict.

He personally abandoned his Bishop’s Court when armed groups were reported to be approaching Eha-Amufu town.

Seeking safety, he relocated to Nsukka and stayed at the residence of Bishop Agbo, where he spent Christmas and New Year.

He described that period as a time of great uncertainty, with entire families displaced from their ancestral homes.

However, he stressed that the situation in 2024 was completely different, with no reports of mass killings or widespread displacement.

Farmers who once abandoned their lands were gradually returning, encouraged by the improved security in the area.

The bishop admitted that isolated security breaches had occurred, but they were not comparable to the widespread violence of previous years.

He mentioned the recent murder of a young undergraduate at Ndi-Agu Amofia as an unfortunate incident.

However, he insisted that such cases were isolated and did not indicate a general state of insecurity in Eha-Amufu.

He explained that some residents, especially those in remote farm settlements, were still hesitant to return to their homes.

The traumatic experiences of past attacks had left many people fearful of living in areas far from the main communities.

Despite this, the bishop expressed confidence that ongoing security measures would encourage people to resettle.

He praised Governor Mbah’s dedication to restoring peace and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

“Even a blind man can see what Governor Mbah is doing,” the bishop stated.

He emphasized that people were no longer fleeing their homes due to fear of attacks.

He urged farmers to return to their farmlands, assuring them that security had been significantly strengthened.

“With the current level of security, herders cannot chase anyone out of Eha-Amufu,” he added.

The bishop provided historical context, explaining that the attacks of 2020 and 2022 had displaced entire communities.

Eha-Agu, Mbuji-Agu, Ebor-Agu, and Mgbuji-Agu were among the worst-hit areas during that period of violence.

Even residents of Eha-Amufu town had to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.

The bishop recalled that armed groups had advanced toward Eha-Amufu town, causing widespread panic and evacuation.

Many people fled to neighboring towns, hoping to find temporary shelter and safety.

The fear and tension were so intense that some people did not return to their homes for months.

However, he stressed that the security situation had changed under the current administration.

“This year, no one can claim that there have been mass killings in Eha-Amufu,” he asserted.

Apart from the recent killing of the young undergraduate, there have been no reports of large-scale violence.

He also addressed the confusion surrounding the location of recent attacks.

Nkala-Eha, in Ebonyi State, suffered violent incidents earlier this year, but many people assumed the attacks happened in Eha-Amufu.

Because of their geographical proximity, misinformation spread quickly, causing unnecessary panic among the residents.

The bishop urged the public to verify facts before sharing news related to security issues.

He emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to prevent fear and confusion in the community.

Bishop Olinya reaffirmed his trust in the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Eha-Amufu.

He pledged to encourage more residents to return to their farm settlements and resume their normal lives.

Security agencies were actively working to ensure that past attacks would not be repeated in the future.

He reassured residents that the government remained dedicated to their protection and the safety of their communities.

With peace gradually returning, he called on the people of Eha-Amufu to support rebuilding efforts.

He encouraged them to cooperate with security agencies and local authorities to sustain the improvements made so far.

“Governor Mbah has done something remarkable for our people,” the bishop concluded.

He stressed that no one should hesitate to return home, as the security situation had been effectively addressed.

His reassurances offered hope to those who were still reluctant to return due to fear of past events.

With continued government intervention, Eha-Amufu is on the path to full recovery and long-term stability.

The bishop urged religious leaders, community heads, and stakeholders to work together in fostering unity and trust.

He called on the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

He emphasized that sustaining peace required collective effort from both the government and the residents.

By working together, he said, Eha-Amufu could fully overcome the trauma of past attacks and rebuild stronger communities.

Residents who had resettled expressed their gratitude for the improved security and the efforts of the state government.

Many farmers shared their optimism, stating that they were eager to return to their lands and continue farming.

Community leaders also commended the state government for prioritizing security and development in Eha-Amufu.

Local businesses that had suffered during the crisis were beginning to recover as economic activities gradually resumed.

Schools that were previously affected by insecurity had reopened, allowing children to continue their education without disruption.

Healthcare services in the area were also improving, with the government focusing on rebuilding essential infrastructure.

Residents were encouraged to take advantage of the peaceful environment to engage in productive activities.

The bishop assured them that the church would continue to support initiatives that promote peace and development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the well-being of the people and the stability of Eha-Amufu.

As the community moves forward, Bishop Olinya remains hopeful that peace and security will be permanently restored.

He called on the media to be responsible in their reporting to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite fear.

He urged journalists to verify information before publishing, especially concerning sensitive security issues.

The bishop’s statements provided much-needed clarity on the security situation in Eha-Amufu.

His remarks reassured residents and corrected the misleading reports that had caused widespread concern.

With the continued efforts of the government, security agencies, and community members, Eha-Amufu is set for a new chapter of peace and progress.

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