Tension is high in Neke and surrounding communities in Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State over the reported invasion of the area by suspected Fulani hersmen.
DAILY POST learnt that the herdsmen, who stormed the border communities with sophisticated weapons, continued sporadic shootings from Monday night up till Tuesday.
The situation has thrown residents into panic and anxiety with residents reportedly fleeing the area.
As of the time of filing this report, it is still unclear if casualties have been recorded in the attack.
A native of Neke community, Mr. Chidi Odoh, who confirmed the shootings to journalists, said it started since Monday night at Ndiagu Umuegwu, an area between Neke and Obollo communities.
“I even heard the gunshots not more than five minutes ago. They have been shooting there since last night but our people have mobilized to go there,” Odoh said.
The Security Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Gen. Fred Eze (rtd) however, said the situation was not as bad, based on the interim report he received.
Eze said it maybe herdsmen moving from the North to Ebonyi State, adding that he has mobilized both the army and the divisional police office at Ikem to the scene.
He said: “Based on the interim report before me, there is no cause for alarm and security operatives have been dispatched to the area. I even spoke with the leader of heardmen in Isi-Uzo who told me he directed the herdsmen to leave Neke.
“I am also aware that Neke community has not had issues with herdsmen earlier than now and so the situation is being monitored.”
Also, the Caretaker committee Vice Chairman of Isi-Uzo local government, Engr. Samuel Ugwede stated that they were moving with security personnel to the area.
The development is coming few days after residents of Ndiagu-Umunafor, Mburubu, in Nkanu-East Council Area of the State, raised the alarm about the movement of armed herdsmen in their community.
It was gathered that the herdsmen, who are reportedly possessing dangerous weapons, took over farms in the community, destroying farm crops.
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