Fear has taken over the Umabor community in Eha-Alumonah, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the abduction of a 20-year-old girl and a local farmer by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The incident occurred on Friday evening along the Agu Umabor Road, the only route connecting the farming village to nearby areas. The victims were identified as Chinelo Ezugwu, a young woman from Elugwu Umabor, and Chinedu Asanya, a farmer from Eziama Umabor.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims fell into an ambush laid by the gunmen while walking along the road. Several other people using the road at the time managed to escape, but Chinelo and Chinedu were taken away by the armed attackers.
A resident who spoke to *The Nation* under condition of anonymity described the situation as alarming and said the community now lives in fear. “I can confirm to you that my village has been surrounded by Fulani herdsmen. Two people were kidnapped very close to my house on Friday evening. As I speak to you, we are living in fear. I can’t even go and evacuate my mother and younger sister because no one knows when they will strike again,” he said.
He added that the kidnappers have already reached out to the victims’ families and are demanding ransom. “We are begging the state government to act fast. We need help from Governor Peter Mbah. Our only access road is now unsafe, and our people can no longer go to the farm. We are under siege,” he cried out.
Another eyewitness who narrowly escaped the ambush said he could hear the voices of the abducted victims crying for help as he ran into the bush to save his life.
As of the time of this report, police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe had not responded to calls for comment, and the Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement.
The incident has heightened tension in the region, as residents say this is the first time their community has experienced such a direct attack by armed herders. Many are now staying indoors, and farming activities have come to a halt due to fear of further attacks.
Communities across parts of Enugu and other states in the South-East have in recent times raised alarm over rising cases of insecurity, including kidnappings and attacks by suspected herders.
Residents are now urging the state government and security agencies to intensify patrols and provide lasting security solutions before the situation worsens.
