Herdsmen Attacks in Southeast Nigeria: Civil Society Groups Call for Urgent Action”
Civil society groups in the Southeast decry selective law enforcement,
urging urgent federal response to herdsmen attacks while highlighting unequal treatment of IPOB.
The cries of grieving communities in Nigeria’s Southeast echo louder each day but are they being heard?
As herdsmen attacks escalate, civil society organizations (CSOs) are raising their voices,
calling out an alleged injustice that’s deepening wounds and shaking citizens’ faith in the rule of law.
For years, residents of the Southeast have witnessed an alarming surge in attacks,
particularly from armed herdsmen, with little to no intervention from the authorities.
Now, civil society groups are accusing national security agencies of bias,
suggesting that their failure to act is rooted in a selective law enforcement system.
This has become a dire situation, leaving communities vulnerable to violence and creating a climate of fear and distrust.
CSOs Condemn Selective Enforcement in the Southeast
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Nigeria’s Southeast have issued a powerful joint statement
accusing national security agencies of operating with systemic bias.
The groups comprising well-known organizations like the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC),
the SWAG Initiative, and the Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation argue that
while law enforcement swiftly targets Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members,
it consistently fails to act on violent crimes perpetrated by armed herdsmen.
Their statement reflects growing frustrations among the region’s residents,
who feel increasingly abandoned by those charged with their protection.
The groups assert that this imbalance is not only unjust but also dangerous.
They argue that selective justice and security enforcement only exacerbate
ethnic tensions and undermine public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
According to the CSOs, the government’s focus on IPOB activities,
while neglecting the violence perpetrated by herdsmen, has created a climate of impunity.
The CSOs argue that the herders often armed with sophisticated weapons
continue to terrorize the rural communities of the Southeast, with little to no consequence.
This pattern, they say, has allowed the criminal activities of herdsmen to flourish unchecked,
posing a serious threat to the safety and security of the region.
In their words, the Southeast is now witnessing a “pattern of impunity,” a dangerous precedent
that further emboldens perpetrators and frustrates the efforts of well-meaning citizens and communities.
The groups assert that this growing pattern of neglect is not just an administrative oversight but a reflection of a broader,
systemic problem that must be addressed urgently.
Rising Attacks Across Southeast States
The CSOs report that across all five southeastern states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu,
and Imo there has been a disturbing uptick in violent incidents linked to herdsmen.
Victims have suffered killings, kidnappings, farmland destruction,
and displacement, yet little meaningful intervention has followed.
Communities have expressed fear and frustration,
feeling that the government and security agencies have been slow to respond, allowing the violence to continue unabated.
Abia State
Abia State, a region once known for its relative peace, has become one of the hardest-hit areas by the rise in herdsmen violence.
In communities such as Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, and Obingwa Local Government Areas, residents have faced repeated attacks.
These areas, which traditionally rely on farming,
have been subjected to kidnappings, the destruction of crops, and, in some cases, murder.
Despite public outcry and numerous calls for government intervention,
the region reports minimal law enforcement presence or response.
Farmers in these areas are particularly vulnerable, as herders continue to invade farmlands,
destroying crops, and forcing families to abandon their land in search of safety.
While the government has promised to intervene, the results remain to be seen.
Anambra State
In Anambra State, violence from suspected herdsmen has driven farmers off their lands,
particularly in the Ayamelum and Orumba North Local Government Areas.
Residents claim that the inability of both state and federal authorities to provide security in these rural areas has created a climate of fear.
In some areas, entire communities have been displaced due to ongoing attacks.
Yet, despite clear evidence of these crimes, there has been little to no visible response from security agencies.
As farmers are driven off their lands, they are left without a means to sustain their livelihoods.
Ebonyi State
Ebonyi State has similarly been plagued by an increase in violence attributed to herdsmen.
The community of Nkalaha in Ishielu Local Government Area has witnessed multiple killings,
with the notorious invasion of Amegu Village being one of the most widely publicized incidents.
In these villages, families are living in constant fear.
Residents have lamented the absence of protection and are calling for urgent action.
Some have resorted to organizing self-defense groups, but these efforts have largely been thwarted by the authorities,
who have instead focused on disarming citizens rather than addressing the root cause of the violence.
Enugu State
In Enugu State, towns like Eha-Amufu and Uzo-Uwani have continued to witness bloodshed and displacements,
with residents claiming that despite clear threats from herders,
security agents have largely abandoned them.
Many families have been forced to flee their homes as a result of attacks on their farms.
These rural areas, which rely heavily on agriculture for survival, are now in crisis.
The lack of government intervention and support from law enforcement agencies has left citizens feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Imo State
Imo State has not been spared from the violence either.
The Okigwe zone and areas along the Owerri–Ngor Okpala–Aba road have become hotspots for attacks.
Herdsmen have reportedly killed travelers and kidnapped civilians along these routes,
yet there have been no arrests.
Despite these recurring crimes, security agencies have been slow to intervene.
As a result, the region has witnessed an escalation of violence, leaving families fearful for their lives and livelihoods.
Alleged State Complicity and Retaliatory Actions
The CSOs have pointed out a troubling pattern that has emerged across the Southeast:
when communities attempt to defend themselves, they often face harsh state actions.
Victims of attacks, many of whom are civilians, frequently find themselves paying fines,
facing arrest, or being punished by authorities for actions they took to protect themselves.
Meanwhile, perpetrators often the herders themselves remain free and unpunished.
The CSOs argue that this selective enforcement of the law seems politically motivated,
with the state’s actions being executed at the behest of vested interests.
In some cases, citizens who try to protect their communities from these attacks have been targeted by law enforcement,
leading to further grievances and feelings of alienation.
This creates not only legal injustice but also deepens ethnic tensions in the region,
fueling the fire of division between different groups and eroding trust in the government.
Legal Backing for Their Demands
The CSOs have been vocal in citing the Nigerian Constitution in their push for justice.
They specifically reference Section 14(2)(b),
which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Additionally, they point to Section 42, which prohibits discrimination, including selective justice.
By highlighting these constitutional provisions, the CSOs are calling for a system of justice that is fair and impartial,
one that upholds the rights of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation.
The groups argue that the current state of affairs violates these constitutional guarantees.
The lack of action against armed herdsmen, while simultaneously cracking down on IPOB,
undermines public trust in the government.
If security agencies continue to ignore the rising violence in the Southeast,
they fear that the situation could spiral out of control, potentially leading to greater instability in the region.
Over-Policing and Checkpoint Abuse
One of the major points raised by the CSOs is the increasing militarization of civilian areas.
The Southeast now hosts an excessive number of military and police checkpoints,
especially in civilian neighborhoods.
While the initial intent of these checkpoints may have been to enhance security,
they have instead become associated with extortion, brutality, and harassment.
Many residents report incidents where security personnel have used their positions to extort money from civilians,
and in some cases, citizens have been subjected to physical abuse.
Despite multiple media reports and citizen complaints, most of these abuses remain uninvestigated.
The CSOs are calling for an immediate review of the security situation in the region,
arguing that these militarized zones only serve to escalate tensions and perpetuate fear among the civilian population.
Government Silence and Inaction
Perhaps the most striking element of the CSOs’ statement is their accusation of government inaction.
One of their most significant grievances is the refusal of the Federal Government to officially label armed herdsmen
as terrorists under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The CSOs argue that this lack of recognition for the violent activities of herdsmen
further highlights a deliberate blind spot within the government’s security strategy.
This silence, they assert, is not a neutral position but rather complicity by omission.
By failing to recognize the severity of the herders’ actions,
the government is enabling a situation in which these criminals can operate with impunity.
CSOs’ Demands for Justice and Protection
In their statement, the civil society groups made the following urgent demands:
1. Equal Enforcement: State governors and federal security agencies must enforce laws against all perpetrators,
regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
2. Active Investigation: Law enforcement must immediately prioritize cases related to herdsmen violence.
3. Demilitarization: The Southeast should be demilitarized, with oversight introduced to counter abuses at checkpoints.
4. Community Involvement: Governors must organize regional security summits with stakeholders,
including traditional rulers, to design tailored protection strategies.
5. Legal Aid for Victims: The National Human Rights Commission and Nigerian Bar Association must step up legal support for affected communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Accountability
Nigeria’s democracy stands on the pillars of justice, equity, and protection for all.
When any group feels excluded or unfairly targeted, it weakens national unity.
The CSOs’ message is clear: every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law.
Until the violence ends and justice prevails,
the wounds of the Southeast will remain open and the silence of the state, deafening.
If you believe in justice and equal rights for all Nigerians, share this article and let your voice join the call for change.
Leave a comment below what do you think should be done to address this crisis?
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Author: Amaka Onwudiwe
Date: May 11, 2025
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