A protest by women in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, turned violent on Tuesday when the joint forces of the Nigeria Army and police intervened, leaving at least three of the protesters battered with injuries.
The women had seized a community member, Israel Mgborogwu, accusing him of trading information about the farmers to suspected herdsmen.
They also alleged that Mgborogwu claimed on social media that herdsmen did not attack the community, which they said was false.
In video clips shared with our correspondent on Tuesday, the women who were seen parading Mgborogwu along major streets and town, accused him and the acting President General of Mgbuji Autonomous Community, Donatus Odoh, of selling Eha-Amufu land to unidentified persons and providing information to herdsmen on farmers who fell victim to killings.
“He gave information about farmers to herdsmen on whoever went to farm who fell victim of the killing,” one of the women told our correspondent.
The President General of the community, Odo Donatus, reportedly escaped being held by the protesting women.
However, the protest turned violent when combined security agencies comprising soldiers, police and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed by the government to secure the release of Israel confronted the protesting women and teargassed them.
“In the chaotic scene, the policemen and soldiers who rolled armoured tanks during the protest injured several women with three badly battered,” Mrs Janet Ogenyi told our correspondent on the telephone.
The incident highlights the growing unrest in Eha-Amufu community, which has been plagued by insecurity and killings. While some community members allege high insecurity, others claim it is a false narrative.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls and messages.
The acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, also didn’t take his calls or respond to text message as at the time of filing this report.
