Armed Herdsmen attacks displace thousands, force children out of school in Enugu

March 26, 2025

Crisis unfolding in Enugu State, Nigeria, where armed herdsmen have been launching attacks on communities in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.

The attacks, which began in 2022, have displaced at least 7,000 residents, resulting in loss of lives, businesses, and property.

The crisis has had a disproportionate impact on women and children, who have faced hunger, disease, physical assault, and brutal sexual violence.

Over 1,064 children have been forced out of school, with only 456 managing to return since the crisis began.

Rev. Fr. Donatus Onuigbo, Director of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Enugu, described the situation as “not just a tragedy, but an ongoing humanitarian crisis”

He called on the state government to take immediate action to address the suffering of the affected communities, provide humanitarian relief, and restore normalcy.

The attacks have become a yearly occurrence, despite the deployment of security forces in the area.

At least 42 farm settlements have been overrun by marauding herdsmen, leaving residents displaced and forced to seek refuge in neighboring areas.

The coalition of civil society organizations, comprising the South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the JDPC, condemned the escalating attacks and urged the government to take decisive action to protect the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.