Following an emergency stakeholders meeting of 19 organizations convened on Thursday, 28th April, 2016 at Roban Hotel, Enugu, to look into the Fulani herdsmen crisis at Nimbo/Ukpabi communities in Uzo-Uwani LGA, in Enugu State which occurred on Monday, 25th April, 2016, it was established that there was in fact an attack by Fulani herdsmen on the above communities and that there were casualties of which children, women and men lost their lives.
The attacks led to the displacement of community members. The fact of this attack was established through interview during the course of the meeting of two women indigenes of Nimbo/Ukpabi communities who are victims/survivors of the deadly attack. These two women amongst others are currently taking refuge in Enugu city.
The meeting resolved as follows:
- We strongly condemn the killings, raping, abductions and maiming of our people in vulnerable communities in recent past, especially the killings on April 25th at Nimbo Community of Uzo Uwani LGA that claimed several lives.
- We strongly condemn security agencies who despite early warning signs failed the law abiding citizens they were supposed to protect.
- We are of the view that the proposed National Grazing Routes Reserve Bill may not be a solution to continuing clashes of herdsmen and host communities. The Federal Government must take this as a national security issue given the experience of Boko Haram that requires urgent legal, educational and other measures to maintain law and order.
- Law enforcement agencies should be proactive rather than reactive at all times in order to effectively protect live and property.
- We demand responsive actions from national/state legislators to security issues in their constituencies.
- We demand a comprehensive public and transparent enquiry into the immediate and remote causes and aftermaths of the Nimbo community killings by alleged Fulani Herdsmen.
- We demand accountability and zero tolerance for unlawful extra-judicial killings and wanton destruction of properties in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution and obligations under international human rights laws.
- We call for an urgent extension of humanitarian aid to the victims, which should be fast tracked and effectively monitored.
- We call for a day of mourning to be declared by ENSG in in memory of victims.
We appreciate the efforts of the State government and security agencies, especially the Governor Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyiin ensuring the protection of lives and property in Enugu state. However, we urge that the above resolutions be addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure peace and stability in the state.
Dated 28th April, 2016, Enugu, Enugu State
Endorsed by the following organizations
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Nigeria
