Enugu: Seven killed, two missing in fresh herdsmen attack

Enugu map

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed at least seven residents leaving two others missing during an invasion of the Agu-Amed Autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday around 4:30 pm, has left residents in shock and fear.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants were dropped from helicopters that also hovered over the community until after the attack.

“Currently, there’s uncertainty in my community. Armed Fulani herdsmen invaded the Agu-Amed Autonomous Community on Sunday evening. They killed seven people; we have recovered their bodies in a savagery manner and two are still missing,” a resident, Osita Ogenyi, told our correspondent on Monday.Ogenyi, who shared gory pictures and videos of the attack, provided details of the incident. “They killed two in Ohalu Mgbede, an adult and a boy of about 20 years old, Dennis Ovu. At Iyi Asa, they killed Joe Aguigbo, Simon Nshi, while another boy of about 20 years was killed too. They also killed a young man of about 32 years. We have not seen two persons and we have searched all the bushes very well but we haven’t seen them. We are still in search of them.”

The attack has reignited concerns about the security situation in Enugu State and the need for urgent action to address the farmer-herder crisis. Community leaders have expressed frustration and anger, lamenting the government’s inability to prevent these attacks or engage the assailants.

“This attack was a surprise one. They invaded the community around 5 pm and they didn’t shoot their guns initially. They were slaughtering people with machetes until when people got the information, they started shooting. Before you know it, they disappeared,” Ogenyi added.

The recent attack comes barely three months after women from seven autonomous communities in Eha-Amufu protested incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen. According to reports, at least 152 persons have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu between 2021 and March 2025, with the recent killings increasing the tally to 163.