Tragedy struck as a young female student from St Paul’s College, Eke, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, fell victim to a brutal attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leaving the community in tears and shock. The assailants opened fire on the school children as they headed home, resulting in the death of one student and severe injuries to others. The heart-wrenching incident has left the affected families and the entire community reeling in grief and fear.
Eye witnesses revealed the horrifying details of the attack, with a deeply distressing video surfacing, showcasing the lifeless body of the deceased student and some of the survivors. In the video, a distraught voice narrated the harrowing ordeal, highlighting the senseless violence inflicted by the attackers and the urgent plea for government intervention to prevent further tragedies.
The Principal of the school, Rev. Fr. Frank, confirmed the disturbing events, expressing sorrow over the loss of the promising young girl. He recounted the terrifying attack, emphasizing the need for immediate action and the protection of innocent lives.
Community sources disclosed the area’s prolonged ordeal with kidnapping and the inability of security agencies to tackle the activities of the marauding herdsmen. The forested area, known as ‘Ofia-akwu’, has become a perilous zone, where several lives have been lost at the hands of the criminal elements. The rampant kidnappings and violence have instilled a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity, with innocent lives continually at risk.
Moreover, the abduction of a well-known traditional ruler following the school bus attack has further heightened the sense of unease and vulnerability within the community. The continued prevalence of such distressing incidents has prompted impassioned appeals for the safe return of the abducted leader, underscoring the pressing need for effective measures to safeguard the populace from the vicious activities of the criminal elements.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Enugu State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, were made, but remained unanswered at the time of this report.
This callous attack serves as a distressing reminder of the urgent need for robust security measures to protect the vulnerable, ensure the safety of communities, and bring the perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice.
