Suspected herdsmen gunmen launched an attack on Adani in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulting in the tragic deaths of two brothers.
The two brothers identified as
Mr. Ogbonna Fidelis Anene, aged 33, and Ogbonna John Onyeka, aged 25, were
killed on Sunday while they were on their way to their farm.
On Tuesday that some bandits
invaded Ikem community in the Isi-Uzo local government area of the state,
killing one person, injuring two and kidnapping two others.
Meanwhile, the state police
commissioner, Kanayo Uzuegbu, who visited Adani community on Monday, has vowed
to track down the killers, noting that they cannot prevent the residents of the
state from accessing their farms.
Condoling with the family of
the deceased, CP Uzuegbu expressed sadness over the incident and told the
people of Adani that a squad had been sent to find the killers to to bring them
to justice.
He said that security had also been reinforced around the borders of the local government area.
He commended Governor Peter
Mbah for his determination to rid the state of all criminal elements, noting
that the governor’s support and investment in security were responsible for the
state’s status as one of the safest units in the country.
The commissioner asked the
natives to go about their lawful business without fear and assured them of the
resolve and cooperation of security agencies to secure their lives and property
at home and on their farmland.
He, however, appealed to the
people to be vigilant and assist security agents with relevant information
about any suspicious persons or criminal activities in their environment.
He said, “The Enugu State under
the watchful eyes of the administration of Peter Mbah and the Nigeria Police
can never allow the perpetrators of this evil act to go scot-free.
“The government is displeased
with this ugly report and we shall ensure justice for the Ogbonna brothers.
That is the governor’s demand and that is the Inspector General of Police’s
order.
“You can’t stop going to farm
because it is your means of livelihood, but we are guaranteeing your safety. We
shall clamp down on these criminals. Enugu is already too hot for them, but we
shall make it even hotter for them going forward. So, I urge you all to take
heart and count on us for your ceaseless protection.”
The Senior Special Assistant to
Governor Mbah on Media, Dan Nwomeh, reiterated the governor’s resolve to hunt
down the criminals who killed two brothers on their farm.
In a post shared on his X
(formerly Twitter) handle, Nwomeh wrote: “As directed by Governor Peter Mbah
@PNMbah, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu on Monday led a
team of detectives and police special squads to Adani in Uzo Uwani LGA where 2
brothers were killed in the farm the previous day, vowing to hunt down the
perpetrators.”
Also reacting to the gruesome
killing in Adani and Isi-Uzo, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party,
Chief Chijoke Edeoga decried the attacks and killings, describing them as an
affront to humanity and a grave violation of peace and security.
Edeoga, who stated this in a
statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, called on the Enugu State
government and the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to
protect the people from such atrocities.
He said: “The recent attacks on
the people of Ikem, Eha-Amufu, Isi Uzo LG, and most recently the people of Uzo
Uwani, in Enugu State by herdsmen are deplorable acts of violence that cannot
be tolerated.
“The senseless loss of lives
and the infliction of harm upon innocent civilians are affronts to humanity and
grave violations of peace and security.
“I call upon both the Enugu
State and Federal governments to take immediate and decisive action to protect
the people from such atrocities. It is the responsibility of the government to
ensure the safety and security of its citizens, and any failure to do so is a
betrayal of trust and an exhibition of incompetence.
“Furthermore, I urge the
authorities to swiftly investigate this heinous act and bring the perpetrators
to justice. Those responsible for instigating fear and perpetrating violence
must be held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to restore
faith in the rule of law and to prevent further bloodshed.”
Edeoga said he was deeply
concerned that farms in Eha-Amufu were still occupied by bandits, making it
difficult for the people who survive mainly on farm produce to thrive.
He said, “This situation
exacerbates the suffering of the affected communities and underscores the
urgency of addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“Moreover, the multiple attacks
by herdsmen serve as stark reminders that more needs to be done by the relevant
federal authorities to ensure the safety of citizens across the country. The
recurrent nature of these attacks highlights the inadequacies in our security
infrastructure and demands urgent and comprehensive intervention.
“To those who have been injured in this
senseless attack, I offer my heartfelt condolences and solidarity. No words can
fully express the pain and suffering that you are enduring, but know that you
are not alone. I stand with you in your time of need and I pray for your swift
recovery.
“To the families and loved ones
of those who have tragically lost their lives in this horrific incident, I
extend my deepest sympathies and condolences. The loss of a loved one is a
profound and devastating experience, and I mourn with you during this difficult
time. May you find strength and solace in the memories of your loved ones, and
may they rest in peace.
“I call on all Nigerians to
condemn violence in all its forms and to demand justice for the victims of these
senseless attacks ravaging our dear nation. Together, we must stand united
against hatred and division and work towards building a society where peace and
harmony prevail.”
SaharaReporters reports that
Uzo Uwani and Isi-Uzo local government areas have suffered attacks from armed
men suspected to be herdsmen in the past.
In April 2016, it was reported
that about 500 suspected herdsmen attacked Nimbo in Uzo Uwani, killing about 20
people.
Before the 2023 general
election, suspected herdsmen sacked about 21 farm settlements in five Eha-Amufu
communities and killed scored of people.
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