Christian Farmers Displaced as Fulani Militants Take Over Villages in Enugu…Nigerian Police Free 21 Hostages, Seize Ransom and Firearms…Edo Town Empties After Mob Attack on ‘Hunters’…Nigeria’s Border Security Chief to Remain in Office Until 2026
- Christian Farmers Flee as Fulani Ethnic Militia Seize Land and Homes
Fulani ethnic militia have overrun at least 44 farming settlements in Eha-Amufu, a rural community in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria, displacing residents and taking over their homes.
The most recent attack on February 28 targeted Ndiagu Amofia village, forcing residents to flee. Other affected communities include Abor, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu. Victims report killings, kidnappings, and widespread destruction of homes, churches, and schools.
“All the farm settlements in our community, nobody goes there. If you dare, it is either you are killed or kidnapped for ransom or you escape with injuries,” resident Chigbo Okibe told SaharaReporters.
Many displaced families have fled to urban areas or sought shelter with relatives. Survivors say armed herdsmen now occupy their homes. “They are living in the houses they didn’t burn,” another resident reported.
Amidst the continued attacks, locals accuse security forces of inaction and government officials of silence. “The security agents only surface to carry corpses after attacks,” said community leader Chinyere Odoebe.
- Nigerian Police Rescue 21 Kidnapped Victims, Recover Ransom and Weapons
Nigerian police have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in recent operations, recovering a ransom of ₦4.8 million (about $3,200) and seizing weapons from criminal gangs, authorities announced Monday.
In Taraba State, officers responded to a kidnapping along the Takum/Mararaba road on March 29, engaging in a gunfight that led to the rescue of 20 hostages. Two victims suffered injuries and are receiving medical care.
Separately, in Kano State, police arrested six suspects linked to the March 8 abduction of one Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau. Authorities recovered a locally made rifle and ransom money.
Commenting on the operations, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said they “underscore the dedication and joint commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the good citizens of Nigeria to safeguard communities and ensure security for all.”
- Mass Exodus in Edo Community as Authorities Hunt for Lynching Suspects
Residents of Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria have fled their homes following the lynching of 16 hunters, suspected to be Fulani ethnic militia, last Thursday. Fearing reprisals and security crackdowns, several communities are now deserted, according to Vanguard.
The incident began when community civilian guards intercepted a group of travelers, discovering locally-made weapons in their vehicle. Suspecting them of being radical Islamic bandits, tensions escalated, leading to mob violence that resulted in the deaths.
Authorities have condemned the killings. Governor Monday Okpebholo assured that justice will prevail and President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
Local frustrations have been mounting due to perceived inaction against kidnappings in the area. A resident, Akhere, expressed, “Government has been slow in taking action against these kidnappers. They have been killing, maiming our people and raping our women in the farms.”
Fourteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the lynching. Fearing further arrests, many residents have abandoned their homes. Security forces have been deployed to quell rising tensions amid ongoing kidnappings in the region.
- Tinubu Extends Tenure of Nigeria’s Immigration Chief Until 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a tenure extension for Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, keeping her in office until December 31, 2026.
Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to expire on August 31, 2025. Her leadership has been marked by advancements in border security, modernization of immigration processes, and strengthened national security measures.
In announcing the extension, Tinubu praised her “exemplary leadership” and urged her to maintain focus on the Service’s strategic goals, aligning with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service in fulfilling its mandate to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote safe, legal, and orderly migration,” said presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga in a statement Monday.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
