Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tragedy struck the Oheoyya community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, July 25, 2026, when unidentified gunmen invaded a cattle camp, killing two herders and slaughtering approximately 40 cows in a brutal attack that has reignited concerns over security in the South-East region. The victims have been identified as Ahmadu and Umaru, who were sons of the South-East Zonal Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Haruna Sale.
According to a statement issued by the association's National Deputy Director-General, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday when unknown assailants stormed the cattle settlement in Oheoyya community. The assailants opened fire on the camp, killing the two brothers on the spot before proceeding to slaughter dozens of cattle belonging to members of the association. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as of the time of this report, but MACBAN has described the incident as a tragic assault on law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate livestock business.
MACBAN commended the Enugu State Government and security agencies for what it described as their prompt response to the incident. According to the association, security operatives later recovered the bodies of Ahmadu and Umaru from a nearby forest, enabling their families to conduct Islamic burial rites in accordance with their faith. "We sincerely appreciate the Government of Enugu State and the security agencies for their swift intervention in recovering the bodies of the deceased from the forest," Siddiki stated in the association's official statement. "The unfortunate incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 25th July 2026, at Oheoyya Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, when unknown assailants invaded the cattle camp. During the attack, the two victims lost their lives, while approximately 40 cattle were reportedly destroyed."
The association, however, urged security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those behind the attack and bring them to justice. "We respectfully call on the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for this criminal act so that justice can be served," MACBAN stated. The group also reiterated that its members in the South-East are engaged in lawful cattle rearing, breeding, and trading activities and should be protected like every other Nigerian citizen. "We wish to reiterate to the general public that the mission of our members in the South-East is to pursue greener pastures through legitimate cattle rearing, breeding and trading. These are lawful economic activities carried out by patriotic Nigerian citizens in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the association said.
MACBAN further appealed to residents of Enugu State to continue supporting peaceful coexistence between herders and host communities, saying mutual understanding remained critical to sustaining peace and economic activities in the region. The association expressed appreciation to Governor Peter Mbah, traditional rulers, community leaders, faith-based organisations, and residents of the state for what it described as their continued support and understanding. "We respectfully appeal for the sustenance of this peaceful coexistence, which will enable our members to continue their legitimate business of cattle rearing, breeding and selling in a safe and peaceful environment," the statement added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law, and collaboration with governments, host communities, and security agencies to promote peace, security, and national unity. "We sincerely appreciate the Government of Enugu State and the security agencies for their swift intervention in recovering the bodies of the deceased from the forest, thereby enabling their families to conduct burial in accordance with Islamic rites," MACBAN said.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to phone calls or text messages as of the time of filing this report. The latest attack comes amid lingering concerns over violent attacks involving herders and farming communities across parts of Nigeria, where disputes over land, grazing routes, and criminal activities have continued to fuel insecurity. The incident has heightened concerns over security in the area, with many calling on the government to intensify efforts to protect citizens and prevent further bloodshed.
The killing of the two sons of the MACBAN South-East Zonal Chairman represents a significant escalation of violence in the region and has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges of ensuring the safety of herders and their livestock in the South-East. As the search for the perpetrators continues, the people of Oheoyya community and the wider Enugu State await justice for the two brothers whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of violence.
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