Fulani Herdsmen Attacks: Abia and Enugu States Takes Serious Action.
Following the outcome of the armed Fulani attacks Abia and Enugu States have taken bold actions to prevent future occurrences. For the details of what Abia State Government intends to do, please see this link http://www.cvakutamedia.com/2016/05/abia-state-press-statement-best.html
Enugu State on its own has banned night grazing and rearing of cattle. Enugu State has also banned the carrying of arms or any form of ammunition by the herdsmen. A peace committee was set up, comprising of interest groups from the state. Herdsmen would pay compensation to farmers whose crop the cattles damage.
Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor has set up a 7 man Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Nimbo Fulani Herdsmen Attack. Their terms of reference are as follows: Review and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the recent carnage in the Nimbo, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of the state with a view to bringing justice to all concerned and find a lasting solution to the menace of the herdsmen in the state.
Membership of the Commission:
Hon. Justice Chukwuma Ene JSC (Rtd) – Chairman
Major-General Godwin Ugwuoke (Rtd) –Member
Prof. Uchenna Nwagha – Member
Prof. Osita Nnamani Ogbu – Member
Anthonia Nkemdilim Ugbene-Mgbachi – Member
Emmanuel Agbo – Secretary
Richard Udeichi (Chief Legal Officer) – Counsel to the Commission.
Terms of Reference:
1. To ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the recent bloodbath and destruction of property in Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
2. To examine in detail, the involvement of the Security Forces in dealing with the situation before and after the bloodbath and destruction of property.
3. To investigate and ascertain the number of persons killed or injured in the disturbances and their identities.
4. To ascertain the properties destroyed, their owners and the value of such properties.
5. To identify person(s) or group of persons who either by acts or omissions were directly or indirectly involved or connected with or sponsored the violence, killings of people and destruction of property.
6. To make recommendations regarding persons whom the Commission finds blameworthy in connection with the violence, killings and damage to property.
7. To identify all communities in Enugu State where herdsmen live and graze their cattle.
8. To ascertain the conditions under which they occupy the grazing areas they live and graze in including their relationship with their host communities.
9. To recommend to the Government on the procedure to be followed by herdsmen intending to graze their cattle in the State.
10. To recommend appropriate sanction/punishment for those ‘who violate the conditions recommended.
11. To recommend prosecution for all those identified to have been involved in the killings and destruction of property in Nimbo or breached their lawful duties by not preventing the bloodbath and destruction of property.
12. To recommend appropriate security measures (including carrying of picture IDs by herdsmen and other security guidelines) that will prevent a future occurrence of the bloodbath and destruction of property.
The Governor urged all communities, interest groups, relevant security agencies in Enugu State and indeed the general public, to accord the Commission maximum cooperation and assistance in the execution of this very important assignment.
