Residents of the sleepy town of Obehie in Ukwa West local government area of Abia state were on Friday, thrown into confusion following the alleged invasion of over 20 Fulani people, believed to be herdsmen, at the Powerline area of the town
247ureports.com gathered that the Fulani men were sighted at a bush at the power line section of the community at about 10pm on Friday, by residents of the area.
Eyewitnesses said the residents of the power line area alerted the community vigilante group, but before they could get to the area, the Fulani invaders had disappeared. Men of the Obehie Police Division were also alerted to the incident.
The situation threw the community into confusion as people living in that part of the community fled their houses for fear of attack. A resident of the area who gave his name as Abraham said the situation was a like a ‘wake keep’ as every resident sat through the night while others started to pack their belongings, but were prevailed upon to remain calm as vigilante men patrolled the area.
“We are afraid because this is the way the Fulani people just came into a community in Enugu and killed over 40 people. We are calling on thye security agencies to protect us. We wont live anything to chance, this is why we have also mobilize our vigilante group to help secure our people,” a resident, Abraham Kanu, told our correspondent.
Some of the vigilante operatives combed the surrounding bushes; but the Fulani men were nowhere to be found. As at the time of filing this report, some of the residents are still in panic mood, while most people living in the power line area are yet to fully return to their houses.
When contacted on the development, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, DSP Ezekiel Onyeke, said he is not aware of the incident. He, however, warned residents to stop creating tension in the state.
According to him, “This is the handiwork of rumour monger who are just creating tension in the state. Residents should go about their normal duties without fear of molestation as the security agencies are alive to their duties.”
