Fulani herders who had clustered in Enugu communities of Isiuzo, Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti local government areas have vacated the area, leaving five cows and a dead ram behind.
This might not be unconnected with the heightening attacks on police formations across the regions by unknown gunmen.
The herders had clustered in Leke Uno and Ugwogo communities of Isi Uzo Local Government Area and neighbouring Agu Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti local government from where they grazed their cattle to Opi Agu in Nsukka Local government. The four communities shared common boundaries.
Findings by Standard Observers showed that the herders began moving thousands of their cattle from the communities over a week ago after several trailer trucks came to evacuate them and the cattle.
While they left a dead ram in Ekwegbe, they, however, left five cows in Ugwogo, heightening apprehension by residents of the communities over the symbolism of the gesture.
It was gathered that the communities have activated vigilante groups with the help of local authorities in preparations for any attacks.
A community source in Agu Ekwegbe, Sunday Ani, said the community and local government authority have set up a vigilante group to safeguard the area in case of any attacks.
He said: “Since they were here, no one attacked them. People said that the only time they attack people is when they are attacked. But, we are not taking anything to chance. That is why we have set up a vigilante group to ensure the safety of the people.
“Them leaving here is a source of relief and also a source of worry. We don’t understand the symbolism of the dead ram left behind. They also left five live cows in the neighbouring community. But we are not letting our guards down,” he said.
Recall that Standard Observers reported the building of new settlements in the communities with the help of security agents.
Standardobservers reported that hundreds of herders began clustering in the communities a few days after herdsmen killed over 30 persons in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Ishielu Local government shares boundaries with Isi Uzo local government.
A resident of Leke told Standardobservers that the herders have clustered in the community and Ugwogo after moving out en masse from Ishielu following the massacre of the indigenes of the area.
The resident who spoke on the conditions of anonymity said that soldiers are also supervising the setting up of the settlements.
