Youths of a community in Ugbakwa area of Enugu state have expressed concern after they caught a herdsmen in the community with AK47 rifle.
A gunman (File photo)
There was serious pandemonium at Ugbawka in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu state after a suspected Fulani herdsman was caught with an AK 47 rifle.
According to The Independent, the herdsman was arrested by vigilant Ugbawka youths who were suspicious of his mission in their community, with a high caliber assault rifle.
The incident left many people in fear. Following the arrest, the youths immediately handed him over to the Enugu State Police Command on Thursday.
A detachment of soldiers from the 82 Division of Nigerian Army and five police units including the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Anti-Cult and Special Anti-Robbery Squad, were immediately deployed to the community.
It could be recalled that Enugu State came under deadly attack by herdsmen twice in 2016.
At least seven people were killed when herdsmen attacked Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani LGA while an attack on Akagbe Ugwu community in Nkanu West LGA, left two persons dead.
Although the mission of the armed herdsman to Ugbawka community could not be ascertained as at press time, a source said there was a history of frequent confrontation between herdsmen and the indigenes who were mostly rice farmers.
According to reports, most of the rice farmers abandoned their farms over the confrontation with herdsmen.
When contacted, Ebere Amaraizu, the Spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, confirmed the report.
Amaraizu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the Commissioner of Police, DanMallam Mohammed, has visited Ugbawka community to assess the situation.
“As I speak with you, I am on my way back to Enugu. I am in the entourage of the Commissioner of Police. We went to Ugbawka to assess the situation and there is no cause for alarm. There is calm,” Amaraizu said.