40 reported dead In Enugu after attack by Fulani herdsmen

The attack is said to have occurred on Monday, April 25, 2016, in the Uzo- Uwani Local Government Area of the state. 

  A herdsman

About 40 people have been reported dead in Enugu State after an attack by Fulani herdsmen.

The attack is said to have occurred on Monday, April 25, 2016, in the Uzo- Uwani Local Government Area of the state, according to Vanguard.

The herdsmen also reportedly burnt 10 houses and a church, Christ Holy Church International during the invasion.

“I was coming out from the house when I heard the community bell ringing. I was going with a friend to know what the bell was all about, only to see about 40 Fulani herdsmen armed with sophisticated guns and machetes,’ a victim, Kingsley Ezugwu, said.

“They pursued us, killed my friend and shot at me several times but missed. They caught up with me and used machetes on me until I lost consciousness,” he added.

The incident has also been confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu.

“We moved in to ensure that the situation did not degenerate beyond control and right now everything is under control. The Commissioner of Police is there with other officers and men and the area is being secured,” he told Punch.

“We can’t give the total number of casualties yet, it is when the operation is concluded that we will collate figures and give a definite number,” he added.

The herdsmen were said to have earlier disagreed with the villagers over their use of farmlands as grazing fields.