ENUGU — Security in the South East (Nigeria has notably improved in recent times, thanks to measures taken by various state governments. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where many farmers still fear for their safety.
As the farming season approaches, apprehension is growing in communities where criminal activity often linked to suspected Fulani herdsmen has not been fully eradicated.
In Enugu State’s Isi-Uzo Council, for example, farmers have continued to suffer attacks. Observers have criticized local authorities, including the council chairman and community leaders, for not mobilizing youths to reclaim forests and farmlands from criminal elements.
A similar issue was once faced in the Ezeagu Council, where criminals carried out daily attacks and kidnappings. In response, local communities empowered vigilante groups to comb the forests, driving out the perpetrators. This initiative has since restored peace to Ezeagu.
Residents of Isi-Uzo, especially in Ehamufu, are now being urged to adopt similar measures to secure their farmlands.
In Imo State, a forest between Obowo and Mbaise was recently exposed as a hideout for criminals, who reportedly stored stolen vehicles there. This highlights a broader issue: Forests, bushes, and farmland across Igbo land are still unsafe. Community vigilance remains vital.
Just last week in Awka, Anambra State, local vigilantes discovered two kidnap victims held in a forest hideout, allegedly by Fulani herdsmen. Such discoveries underscore the urgency for communities to take ownership of their safety.
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largely due to proactive steps taken by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. Yet, in areas such as Ihiala, Orumba South, and Nnewi South, many farmlands remain inaccessible due to the lingering presence of gunmen.
Farmers from Lilu, Orsumoghu, Azia, Isekke, Mbosi, and parts of Uli have raised concerns about criminals occupying the forests where they once farmed. Mr. Ikedirgwu Onunkwo, a veteran farmer from Ose Akwa in Ihiala, shared his frustration, noting that despite reports of security improvements, his farmland remains under the control of gunmen.
Governor Soludo has acknowledged these challenges but expressed optimism that the situation will be fully resolved soon, thanks to a new security outfit.
In Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Sunday Oketa of Nkaliki Unuhu supports empowering local youths to reclaim forests from criminals. He emphasized that farmlands must be protected to ensure food security. Despite limited forest areas in his immediate community, neighboring villages remain vulnerable.
Similarly, Eze Ogbuka Origa of Okorie Ogori Abam in Abia State stressed the need for local vigilante groups to patrol forests routinely, identifying and removing unauthorized occupants. He also called on governments to enforce anti-grazing laws effectively.
Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu in Abia State encouraged farmers not to be paralyzed by fear. Instead, he advised reporting suspicious movements to local vigilantes. He assured his people of adequate protection and insisted that no one should abandon their ancestral lands.
Emeka Nkwoada, former President-General of Ihiagwa in Imo State, emphasized the importance of every community forming its vigilante group. He says the Ihiagwa group has been instrumental in maintaining peace and collaborating effectively with security agencies.
Evangelist Okechukwu Keshi Ukaegbu, National Secretary of the Church of God (Seventh Day), echoed similar sentiments, urging youths to organize into watch groups. However, he warned of potential pitfalls in the recruitment process, highlighting concerns that some self-help security groups may be misused by local leaders for personal vendettas. He also stressed the need for genuine police reform to address these gaps.
In response to the concerns of residents and farmers, vigilante groups in Imo State’s Ngor Okpala Council have launched operations to clear the forests of criminal elements. Kenneth Okechukwu Anyamele, a vigilante leader in Amasa, confirmed that bush-clearing and surveillance efforts are underway to safeguard the area and its farmland.
Chief Johnson Okolo, an industrialist and large-scale farmer, believes real progress won’t come until the Federal Government disarms violent herdsmen and punishes those aiding them. He warned that unarmed youths confronting well-armed criminals is both dangerous and unfair.
“Farming should be done with peace of mind, not under constant threat,” he said. While community efforts are commendable, only federal and state-level intervention can provide lasting solutions
