Fulani t€rrorists thr€aten security across communities in south-east

DDM News

A civil rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), on Monday raised the alarm over the alleged occupation of several areas in the South-East by killer Fulani herdsmen.

According to Diaspora digital media,(DDM), the group claimed that there are likely no fewer than 950 locations in 770 to 800 communities across the South-East of Nigeria presently under occupation or threat of attack by armed jihadist Fulani herdsmen and allied groups.

In the report it released, which it said was based on research, Intersociety stated that the South-East is facing grave danger.

The report was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Head of Intersociety; Chinwe Umeche, Head of Democracy and Good Governance; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law; and Chief Anayo Leonard Okoli, member.

Giving a breakdown of the figures, it claimed there are an estimated 250 locations spread across about 90 communities in at least 13 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

“Out of the state’s existing 190 autonomous communities and 17 Local Government Areas, 13 Local Government Areas are affected. These include: Oji River, Awgu, Aninri, Enugu West, Enugu East, Nsukka (Ugwuogo-Nike/Opi-Nsukka axis), Uzo-Uwani, Isi-Uzo, Ezeagu, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Igbo-Eze North, and Igbo-Eze South.”

In Imo State, the group reported the second largest number of jihadist Fulani herdsmen occupation or threats of attack, with an estimated 230 locations spread across about 300 communities in at least 17 Local Government Areas.

Out of the state’s 700 autonomous communities and 27 Local Government Areas, the affected areas include: Onuimo, Owerri West, Owerri North, Okigwe, Ehime Mbano, Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Ideato South, Ideato North, Ngor-Okpala, Njaba, Orlu, Ezinifite Mbaise, Nkwere, Nwangele, Isiala-Mbano, and Mbaitoli.

Abia State is home to the third largest number of jihadist Fulani herdsmen occupation or threat locations in the South-East, with about 180 locations spread across 260 communities in at least 14 Local Government Areas.

These include Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isiala-Ngwa North, Obingwa, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia South, Umuahia North, and Umunneochi.

Anambra State has the fourth largest number of jihadist Fulani herdsmen occupation or threat locations, with approximately 160 locations across about 70 communities in at least 12 Local Government Areas.

The affected areas are Awka North, Awka South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Idemmili South, Oyi, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ogbaru, Njikoka, and Dunukofia, where a large terror camp is reportedly located behind Zone 13 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force and Ukwulu Forest.

Ebonyi State has about 130 such locations across 50 communities in at least six Local Government Areas, which include Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Ishiagu (Ivo LGA), Izzi, Ikwo, and Onicha.

Intersociety further accused the five South-East governors and religious leaders of inaction.

The group alleged that the five South-East Christian governors have not only refused to speak out or condemn the genocidal jihadist activities of the Fulani herdsmen, but have also failed to act as Chief Security Officers of their respective states.

It also claimed that these governors are not alone in their silence, as top leaders of the Christian faith, especially Episcopal and pastoral heads of the Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal churches, have joined them in complicity by being too closely aligned with the governors.

Intersociety said this has caused religious leaders to lose their assertiveness, independent voice, and neutrality, with some even allegedly being facilitated by political establishments to spread false denials, misinformation, or misrepresent facts when attacks occur in their dioceses.

The group called for urgent action from the governors, religious leaders, and security agencies to protect communities and restore peace in the South-East.

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