The tranquility of Eha-Ohala, a cluster of autonomous communities nestled within the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, has been shattered by a persistent wave of violence. The women of these communities, hailing from Mgbuji, Umujove, and Abor, took to the streets on Tuesday, their voices rising in a chorus of anguish and protest. Their demonstration, a poignant display of green leaves and mournful songs, blocked the vital Nkalagu-Eha-Amufu-Ikem-Obollo-Afor Federal Highway, a desperate attempt to draw attention to their plight. They accuse suspected Fulani herdsmen of relentless attacks, leaving a trail of destruction, displacement, and death in their wake, and further indict the security agencies for their perceived inaction in the face of this escalating crisis.
The women’s testimonies paint a grim picture of a community besieged by fear and violence. Their farmlands, once a source of sustenance and livelihood, have become battlegrounds. They describe a relentless cycle of attacks where they are not only driven from their lands but also subjected to horrific acts of violence, including rape, beatings, and mutilation. The fear is palpable, resonating in their cries for help, their pleas for protection, and their demand for an end to the terror. Their husbands and sons, fearful for their lives, are unable to tend to their farms, further jeopardizing the community’s food security and economic stability. The women, left to fend for themselves, become vulnerable targets, facing the constant threat of assault and violence.
The heart-wrenching accounts shared by the protesting women reveal a pattern of destruction and displacement. Mrs. Roseline Odoh, one of the protesters, articulated the community’s despair. She described the cyclical nature of the attacks, coinciding with harvest seasons, effectively wiping out their yearly efforts and leaving them with no means of survival. Beyond the destruction of their crops, the herdsmen have also reportedly taken over their farm settlements, burning down homes and forcing residents to flee. Mrs. Odoh lamented the lack of response from government and security agencies, accusing them of denying the attacks and failing to provide adequate protection. She highlighted the inadequacy of security patrols, which she claimed focus on the towns while neglecting the rural areas where the attacks primarily occur.
The women’s protest underscores the devastating impact of these attacks on the community. Their livelihoods have been decimated, their homes destroyed, and their sense of security shattered. They live in constant fear, unable to farm their lands, provide for their families, or live in peace. The accusations against the security forces raise serious concerns about the government’s response to the crisis. The alleged denial of the attacks and the perceived lack of adequate protection leave the community feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
The scale of the violence, as reported by the protesters, is alarming. They claim that over 150 people from their communities have been killed between 2020 and 2025, with more than 28 farm settlements sacked and occupied by the attackers. These figures, if verified, represent a significant loss of life and a massive displacement of people. The occupation of the farm settlements further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, depriving the displaced communities of their homes and livelihoods. The lack of access to their farms also poses a serious threat to food security in the region.
The situation in Eha-Ohala demands urgent attention. The government and security agencies must take immediate action to address the escalating violence and protect the vulnerable communities. A thorough investigation into the allegations of attacks, killings, and displacement is crucial. Increased security presence in the affected areas, particularly in the rural farm settlements, is essential to deter further attacks and provide a sense of security to the residents. Furthermore, the government must provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced communities, including food, shelter, and medical care. A long-term solution requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes and resource competition, and fostering peaceful coexistence between the different communities in the region. The silence from the Enugu State Police Command and Governor Peter Mbah’s media office is deeply concerning and adds to the sense of abandonment felt by the affected communities. Their voices must be heard, and concrete action must be taken to address this urgent crisis.
