Despite heavy security presence in Nimbo town in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State after the town was attacked by Fulani herdsmen, residents are fleeing their homes for neighbouring towns following rumours that the herdsmen were planning fresh attack on the community.
Journalists, who visited the town on Wednesday with the South-East Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) Youth Wing, saw many Hiace Buses full of people leaving the town.
On inquiry, it was gathered that those in the Hiace buses were members of the community who were fleeing the town because of the rumours flying around that the Fulanis want to attack again.
A resident of the community who was interviewed by journalists said the rumours of the fresh attack which started spreading two days ago, caused apprehension in the town.
Our source said in spite of heavy security presence, members of the community have started leaving their homes in droves, heading towards Nsukka town and other neighbouring communities.
Many soldiers and policemen were however seen on duty at the numerous checkpoints that sprang up in the community after the attack.
Meanwhile, receiving the South-East CAN youth wing led by Rev. Fr. Clement Maduabuchi Okonkwo, the traditional ruler of NImbo, Igwe John Akor, expressed worries that the latest development may lead to famine and food scarcity in the area.
Akor said members of the community, men, women and children no longer go to farm for fear of being attacked by Fulani herdsmen.
Akor thanked members of CAN South-East Youth Wing for the visit and the donation they made to the community.
“Almost all our people are farmers. But they no longer go to farm. They are afraid that the Fulanis will attack again. As we speak now, we are in the raining season but our people are afraid to go to farm,” Akor said.
The traditional ruler thanked CAN for the visit and for the relief materials that they donated to the community during the visit