Thousands of women in Enugu State staged a massive protest on Thursday, shutting down economic and social activities to demand action against persistent attacks by armed herdsmen on local farmers.
The demonstrators, representing seven autonomous communities, blocked a two-kilometer stretch of the Nkalagu-Afor Federal Highway in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. The protest, which began earlier in the week, continued for the third consecutive day.
Angela Ogenyi, one of the protest leaders, lamented that women have been subjected to violence, displacement, and sexual assault by armed herdsmen since 2021. “We are being raped, beaten, and mutilated for preventing cattle from destroying our crops. Our men can no longer go to their farms. I have witnessed cases where herders inserted sticks into women’s private parts. We cannot endure this any longer,” she said.
The protesters expressed frustration over the lack of government intervention, stating that previous complaints had gone unaddressed. “We are staging this protest to draw the attention of Governor Peter Mbah to the killings,” said one demonstrator, who wished to remain anonymous.
The long-standing conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria has escalated into a major security crisis, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. At its core, the crisis stems from competition over dwindling resources, with tensions exacerbating ethnic, regional, and religious divisions.
As violence continues to escalate, concerns grow over its impact on national stability.
Responding to inquiries, Enugu State Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe assured that authorities were aware of the situation and were taking necessary measures to address it.