The death toll from the herdsmen attacks in Agu-Amed autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State has risen to 12 as of 12noon on Tuesday, after more bodies were recovered from the bushes,.
Meanwhile, residents of Eha-Amufu bordering communities with Benue State have started fleeing their homes as threats of imminent attacks got to them, local sources said on Tuesday.
Earlier report indicated that at least seven residents of Ikpakpara village in Agu-Amed, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State, were brutally massacred by armed herdsmen.
It also reported that several others were still missing as search parties had been launched to recover the missing residents dead or alive.
Some video clips shared on Tuesday showed residents crying uncontrollably after more recovered bodies were brought home. So many have been left traumatised with the unprovoked deadly attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
A community leader, Ogbuzuru Ebe, who spoke to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, lamented that the death toll may increase as more people are still missing.
The recent attack occurred on Sunday evening, when the assailants reportedly dropped from helicopters invaded the peaceful community, killing any male both young and old onsight.
Another leader of the community, Sunday Ebe, said that tension has enveloped the entire Eha-Amufu bordering communities as nobody has gone to farm for the past one week.
“Because of the unprovoked attacks imposed on Agu-Amed and Mgbuji autonomous communities, residents are no longer going to their farms to even harvest what they will eat. We are appealing to government relief agencies to come to our assistance because hunger are going to many people.
“Since last night our people have been keeping watch on borders with Benue as the assailants planing to overrun Eha-Amufu border communities.
“We are marvelled that the security agencies cannot monitor attacks from sky or even deploy Aircraft to track the criminals. Where are the police surveillance helicopters distributed across police State Commands during the former President Jonathan’s administration?.
“Currently, there’s uncertainty in my community,” the community leader said, adding that more people are still missing.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent assaults by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of farmers and widespread sexual violence against women.
Sunday’s attack is second renewed attacks in one week, coming nearly three months after women from seven autonomous communities in Eha-Amufu protested against incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
The protests highlighted the killings of hundreds of farmers and raping of women since 2021.
According to reports, at least 152 persons have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu between 2021 and March 2025. Over 49 kidnapped cases have also been recorded, with about 20 persons still missing from several attacks.
With the recent killings, the tally has increased from 152 to 168 killed between 2021 and June 17, 2025.
Community leaders have expressed frustration and desperation, lamenting the government’s inability to prevent these attacks or engage the assailants.
Residents have accused the local government chairman of not doing enough to support security efforts in the area. The community is calling on the government to take concrete actions to prevent further attacks and protect the lives of the people.
This incident has reignited concerns about the security situation in Enugu State and the need for urgent action to address the farmer-herder crisis. The government must prioritise the safety of its citizens and work towards finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
