The unfolding security situation in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State continues to reflect the complex relationship between security concerns, political maneuvering, and community development. The ongoing security crisis in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State has brought to light a delicate interplay of security challenges, political dynamics, and community development. As tensions rise, the community’s history of peaceful coexistence with the Fulani herders settlers has been shattered a couple of years ago and the launch of series of attacks by the herders and struggle for stability continues.
Speaking to Freedom square on solid100.9 on the security situation of Isi-Uzo LGA on 22nd March 2025, His Royal Highness Igwe Pius Nnamani of the Ikem Nkwo community opened up about the growing unrest, recounting how relations with the herders who settled in Isi-Uzo communities once marked by harmony, have now spiralled into violent confrontations. According to Igwe Pius Nnamani, peace reigned between the local communities and Fulani herders until the discovery of ammunition in the hands of the herders, sparking fear and distrust. . The incident highlighted the urgent need for governmental intervention, prompting the Enugu State government to take action by forcing the Fulani herders to vacate their camps within Isi-Uzo. This was followed by a wave of violent attacks in 2019, culminating in even worse incidents in 2023 and February 2025. The most recent attack resulted in the tragic killing of a graduate from the College of Education, Eha-Amufu, and the rape of a woman.
In an effort to calm the rising unrest by maximizing the land and securing the area,the Enugu State government under the leadership of Gov.Mbah proposed the establishment of a “produce city”,a farm settlement where crops are harvested, processed, packaged, and marketed. The initiative was met with resistance from many traditional rulers and the community people, fearing that it would pave the way for Fulani herders to reclaim the land alleging that some cows reared by the herders belong to the Enugu State Government. Despite this, HRH Pius Nnamani of Ikem Nkwo, understanding the government’s intentions, consented to give up land for the project. The results have been positive: the produce city has revitalized the community, offering women the chance to return to farming, while government security and infrastructure improvements, such as the establishment of smart hospitals, have helped restore a sense of stability.
“When the issue of produce city came up, we gave the land. I am telling you that the area where the fulani herders normally hang, that is Ugwueyeshina in our place, has been cleared. We have planted cassava in more than 1,200 hectares of land. Corns have been harvested already and today, most of the people, our women who were crying then, do their job on daily basis. Nobody goes home with less than 5,000. Development has come and small roads are being created within the farm,work has started already and people are already benefiting. In fact,the Fulanis can’t attack us that easily again”.
However, the recent protests organized by Mgbuji women in Isi-Uzo have further complicated the situation. The youth representative Mr. James Anukaenyi described the protests as politically motivated, designed to undermine the ruling government. He stated that the protesters aimed at blackmailing the government, highlighting that the raped incidence was exaggerated and the claims of stuffing object into her buttock lacked evidence. He called on the women to stop the protests and support local government initiatives aimed at peace and growth.
Mr. Richard Ogenyi, a human Rights Activist while sharing his insights, opined that the protests were fuelled by misinformation and political agendas. Ogenyi, who had been hiding since his family was abducted on March 20, 2025, expressed his frustration with the lack of cooperation from the local people and urged the government to continue its efforts despite the challenges.In furtherance,he admonished the people and leaders of Eha-Amufu especially the Mgbuji people to embrace development and growth.
Mr. Ogenyi and Anukaenyi lauded the efforts of Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, whose leadership has attracted the support of Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah. Under Obeagu’s guidance, Isi-Uzo has seen improvements in healthcare, with the establishment of two smart hospitals, and better infrastructure, including newly mapped roads in Mgbuji community. Yet, local resistance to land acquisition for development continues to hinder progress, with some villagers refusing to offer land to the government for projects that could enhance security and development.
“l also advise the government, both at the local and state level, not to be discouraged. I said personally that I am seeing what they are doing , I have started feeling the impact. Imagine two smart hospitals in one ward which happened to be in Mgbuji community and a smart school. I advise our people, our women, and the Eha-Amuful leaders, especially the Mbuji people. They will be the losers if they force the government to stop everything now. They don’t know what they are doing to themselves. And the mayor, the chairman, is doing the bridge now. I was surprised when I saw the one that the Enugu State Government built at Agu Mgbuji. People of Ehamufu, support the chairman. Honourable, Obiora Obeagu,he is your son”.
HRH Pius Nnamani echoed the call for unity, urging the people of Isi-Uzo to support government-led development efforts to prevent their lands from becoming havens for criminal elements such as kidnappers and bandits. He reminded the people that the future of their children is depended on embracing change and securing a safer, more prosperous community.He enjoined the Chairman of the Local Government to extend his benovelence which he continually shows to the Mgbuji community to other communities in the LGA Area for even governance .