Herdsmen abandon cows, flee as ESN raids camp in Abia

A group of herders at the weekend fled as personnel of the Eastern Security Network raided their camp in Isiukwuato, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The raid followed reported attacks on residents of the area by the Fulani herders.

A video which surfaced online on Sunday showed members of the secret security group slaughtering cows belonging to the fleeing herders.

It was not immediately clear if any life was lost during the raid.

The herders have been blamed for killing, raping of farmers, and also for the destruction of their farmlands throughout the country.

ESN was set up by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to checkmate the activities of the herders in South-East and South-South.

Attempts by the Nigerian security agencies to track the group have failed, as they have continued to carry out their activities unhindered.

President Muhammadu Buhari has been accused of turning a blind eye to the activities of the herders since he took office, despite persistent outcry by farmers who are their primary targets and victims.

Farmers in parts of Enugu and Abia had earlier this month said they feel safe in their farms since the launching of the security outfit, while the outfit has also found a reasonable acceptance in the South East.

Kanu, who also posted the video on his Facebook page hailed the outfit on its latest strides.

He wrote: “Video of Men at work last night across all the towns and villages of the old Bende Division especially Isiukwuato.
#ESN has commenced the combing of parts of Isiukwuato forests last night and engagement with the enemy is ongoing and will continue until they no longer present a threat to our communities along that axis.

“Our intel so far has revealed that those terrorising Isiukwuato are rogue elements in the Nigerian Army & Police who pass on their victims to Fulani Killer Herdsmen. #ESN shall find and neutralise these murderers and kidnappers in the coming days, be rest assured”.