Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A civil liberties organisation has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, reporting that more than twenty camps reportedly used by armed herdsmen have been uncovered in forested parts of the region, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. The revelation has sparked alarm among residents and local observers who fear that these alleged encampments could serve as staging grounds for future violence.
According to a field report obtained by the organisation, the purported camps are spread across numerous communities and villages within Ezeagu, including Imezi‑Owa, Agu‑obu‑Owa, Olo, Mgbagbu‑Owa and Oghe. Investigators described the sites as “dens of terror”, alleging that they are highly organised and layered, and that they have been used by herdsmen wielding both herds and weaponry. The report claims that each camp is overseen by an individual identified as an Alhaji, said to be associated with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACABAN), and that the encampments are concentrated around the Ajali River Valley, a historically fertile agricultural and water source area.
The civil society group argued that the alleged camps have had severe environmental and economic consequences for surrounding communities, undermining farming activities, disrupting livelihoods and contributing to a climate of fear that has lasted for several years. Investigators said their intervention was prompted by distress calls from residents who have witnessed extensive cattle roaming and destruction of farmlands, which they attribute to the presence of herdsmen groups using forest hideouts as bases of operation.
Those behind the report contend that the situation extends beyond isolated encampments. They described the configuration of these dens as a six‑layered structure, with coordination reportedly emanating from the Ajali River area. They further claimed that these groups have operated in the region for extended periods, contributing to a pattern of insecurity that has affected multiple communities and their access to natural resources and agricultural markets.
The claims come amid a broader context of insecurity in Enugu State and parts of the South‑East, where armed herdsmen and related groups have been blamed for violent clashes, destruction of property and displacement of residents in other localities. In recent months, other reports by civil society organisations have chronicled attacks on communities and churches by armed elements that have taken refuge in forested areas, contributing to entrenched fears among local populations.
Officials at the state and federal level have not yet issued a formal response to the latest report, and no independent verification by security agencies has been published. However, the allegations have heightened calls from residents and analysts for a more robust security presence, better intelligence operations and community protection strategies to address what many see as expanding threats within rural and forest‑edge settlements. Observers warn that without prompt action, the alleged encampments could serve as footholds for continuing raids, displacement and property loss across vulnerable communities in the region.
The situation in Ezeagu underscores ongoing debates about how best to address rural insecurity in parts of Nigeria where farmers, traders and villagers have reported repeated encounters with armed groups. Civil society activists are urging authorities to move beyond denial or minimisation of the issue, calling instead for transparent investigations, deployment of resources to secure affected areas and inclusive dialogue with local leaders to restore confidence and protect livelihoods.
As the alarm continues to grow, residents are watching closely for responses from security forces and government officials, hoping that credible steps will be taken to ensure the safety of lives, farmlands and community infrastructure that many fear could be further eroded if the situation remains unaddressed.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments