…Says Mbah has significantly enhanced security
…Some confused Nkala-Eha in Ebonyi for Eha-Amufu in Enugu
The Anglican Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese in Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya, has strongly denied the social media reports of mass killings and arson in Eha-Amufu. He explained that the confusion arose as many mistook the Nkala-Eha community in Ebonyi State, which experienced horrific attacks in February, for Eha-Amufu, which shares its borders.
Bishop Olinya noted that while Isi-Uzo LGA and the Eha-Amufu communities had endured suspected herders’ attacks over the years—escalating between 2020 and 2022, when many farm settlements were devastated—security has improved markedly under Governor Peter Mbah, allowing the people of Eha-Amufu to return to their homes.
He pointed out that, unlike in December 2022 and January 2023, when many residents, including himself, fled to townships and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the festive period, calm and order have now returned to the communities.
Speaking to journalists after briefing the governor on the current security situation in Eha-Amufu, the bishop highlighted that apart from isolated security incidents, such as the recent tragic murder of a young undergraduate, the people have resumed farming activities.
However, he emphasised that many residents remain hesitant to live in various farm settlements due to their remoteness from the main communities. He attributed this fear to the harrowing events of 2020 to 2022, but pledged to advocate for the return of the populace to their farms, given Governor Mbah’s commitment to enhancing security.
“No, there are no mass killings. In the past, the people of Abor would flee to Eha-Amufu town whenever they heard the herders were approaching. But I can assure you that there have been no mass killings in Eha-Amufu this year.
“Even a blind person can see the improvements Mbah has made. The security situation in Eha-Amufu is now very promising because we no longer have to flee. We recognise his efforts. Farmers are eager to return to their farm settlements, and I will encourage them to do so now that the governor has taken substantial steps to ensure their safety.
“Anyone who refuses to return now cannot claim it is because of the herders; they cannot chase anyone away in Eha-Amufu with the measures the governor has implemented,” he stated.
Providing further context, he added, “The troubles in Eha-Amufu started back in 2020, and by 2022, the entire Eha-Agu, Mbuji-Agu, Ebor-Agu, and Mgbuji-Agu areas were entirely devastated. Even those in Eha-Amufu town were not spared. Like myself, I had to flee my Bishop’s Court as the Fulani militia approached Eha-Amufu town. Everyone was forced to escape.
“I sought refuge at Bishop Agbo’s residence, the Bishop of Nsukka, where I celebrated Christmas that year and ushered in the New Year.
“Yet, in this recent period, there have been no reports of mass killings, apart from the unfortunate incident involving the young undergraduate who was killed at Ndi-Agu Amofia. As I have stated, there is nothing resembling mass killings this year in Eha-Amufu.
“Nkala-Eha is situated in Ebonyi State, but people have confused it with Eha-Amufu due to our shared border. This led some to erroneously claim that the happenings were in Eha-Amufu. However, it was not; it occurred in Ebonyi State.”
