SUSPECTED HERDSMEN KILL 28-YEAR-OLD MAN, INJURE OTHERS IN ENUGU COMMUNITY ATTACK

A 28-year-old man, identified as Ezechi Ekenechukwu, has been killed, while several others sustained injuries after suspected herdsmen attacked Ukpata community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The attack reportedly took place on Friday, October 29, 2026, when armed men invaded the community and launched an assault on residents.

Ekenechukwu, who was said to be the breadwinner of his family, was shot dead during the incident. Several other residents were also injured and are currently receiving medical attention.

As of Monday morning, no arrest had been reported in connection with the attack, while residents expressed fears of further violence amid alleged threats against the community.

Photographs obtained from the scene showed the deceased with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest and machete injuries to his hands.

A native of Ukpata community, Barrister Benjamin Nebe, who resides in Enugu, confirmed the incident when contacted. However, he declined to provide further details, promising to give additional information later.

The attack occurred on the same day Governor Peter Mbah inaugurated his campaign council at an elaborate ceremony attended by political appointees, a Catholic bishop and other religious leaders.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Monday, human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor (KSC), condemned the killing and accused the state government of prioritising political activities while rural communities continued to face security threats.

Describing the incident as a horrific bloodbath, Ejiofor said the attack had devastated the community, adding that several residents were left with varying degrees of injuries.

He identified Ekenechukwu as the latest victim of the violence, lamenting the death of the young man whose family depended on him for survival.

“It was on Friday, the 29th day of October 2026, that Ezechi, aged 28, became the latest victim of this bloody assault on Ukpata community. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while desperate efforts are being made by the community to save the lives of those grievously wounded,” he said.

The lawyer sympathised with the bereaved family and other victims, describing the circumstances surrounding the killing as cruel and senseless.

He also questioned the absence of arrests following the attack, warning that the continued exposure of residents to violence could further worsen insecurity in the area.

Ejiofor urged Governor Mbah to put campaign activities on hold and visit the affected community to assess the situation and demonstrate concern for residents.

“Perhaps Governor Peter Mbah should consider suspending the celebratory rhythm of campaign activities long enough to visit this grieving community, personally assess the devastation and demonstrate that the lives of rural Enugu residents matter just as much as the political arithmetic of the forthcoming elections,” he said.

He further questioned the relevance of an elaborate campaign structure when residents of communities whose votes politicians seek remained unsafe in their homes.

Ejiofor warned that the continued presence of armed men in the forests and farmlands of Uzo-Uwani could embolden criminal elements and worsen the security situation.

While acknowledging the efforts of Enugu forest guards, he called on the state government to equip them with more sophisticated operational tools and strengthen intelligence-led security operations.

He maintained that the occupation of farmlands and surrounding bushes by armed groups could not be addressed through political statements or superficial security measures, insisting on decisive government intervention.

Drawing an analogy about a burning house, the lawyer said the situation in Ukpata required immediate action rather than further discussions, committees or political promises.

“Ukpata is burning. Its people are mourning. Its ancestral heritage is under siege. This is no longer a matter for another committee, another promise or another campaign speech. It is a call for urgent, decisive and uncompromising action,” he said.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for the bereaved families, stressing that the community must not be abandoned.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful.

The Command's spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not answer calls placed to his telephone or respond to a text message seeking confirmation and further details of the attack as of the time of filing this report.