Suspected Herdsmen Raid Enugu Communities, Fatally Shoot Church Leader, Abduct Several Others

Mr. Chinaza Odumejeogu, a catechist at All Saints Anglican Church in Onicha-Ebia Ikem, Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State, was tragically killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Additionally, two more individuals were abducted and are currently being held captive by the assailants.

The attack on the Ikem community by the Fulani bandits occurred on Sunday, resulting in the abduction of Mr. John Ede and his daughter from their farm in Umueje, Ikem-Etiti on Monday morning.

The residents of the community have expressed their fear and concern as the area remains under siege. Despite the efforts of the police, soldiers, and neighborhood watch vigilantes, the bandits managed to abduct Mrs. Benedicta Abonyi from her home in Ikem-Uno. However, she was able to escape due to the return of fire from the security forces.

Unfortunately, the Anglican catechist was not as fortunate, as he was shot and killed by his abductors. His body was discovered in a bush path towards Benue State during the search conducted by the police, army, and local vigilantes. The remains of Mr. Odumejeogu have been taken to the morgue in Ikem. Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits were armed with AK-47 rifles and were seen fleeing on a motorcycle that they had stolen.

The individual who provided us with the route taken by the perpetrators ultimately led us to the discovery of the catechist’s body. However, a different woman who managed to escape from the group claimed that there were seven individuals involved and specifically identified them as Fulani.

According to a security source, the woman was able to escape due to the exchange of gunfire between the kidnappers and those pursuing them. This led the kidnappers to believe they were being surrounded, prompting them to release the woman and flee the scene.

Despite attempts to reach out to the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for a statement, our efforts were unsuccessful as he did not answer his phone calls at the time of compiling this report.