Nigeria: Dozens killed in Enugu state in suspected attack by Fulani herdsmen

Dozens of people are believed to have been killed in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, amid fears herdsmen from the Fulani ethnic group were behind the atrocity. The incident occurred in the Uzo-Uwani local government area on 25 April, hours after reports alleged hundreds of armed Fulani herdsmen, who inhabit northern and central Nigeria, arrived at Enugu to allegedly prepare for the attack.

The attackers raided more than seven villages and are believed to have also burned houses and the Christ Holy Church International, the Vanguard newspaper reported. The killings occurred as attacks attributed to Fulani militants are on the rise in Nigeria.

Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Nigeria's director of defence information, told IBTimes UK security forces were investigating the killings. "Security agencies will issue a statement soon, investigations are ongoing," he said and added he was not able to confirm the death toll, with figures currently ranging from 20 to 48.

Officials in Enugu state also confirmed the incident. "Yes, there is serious problem in the local government as suspected herdsmen today attacked Nimbo community. Information reaching us said many people were killed but I do not know the actual number now," the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani local government, Cornell Onwubuya, was quoted as saying in the aftermath of the attack.