Dozens rushed to hospital in Enugu State after brutal attack by Fulani herdsmen this morning

DOZENS of indigenes of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State are currently lying critically ill in hospital after a brutal attack by gunmen suspected to be Fulani cattle herdsmen in the early hours of today.

Over recent years, heavily-armed Fulani herdsmen have terrorised farming communities across Nigeria, attacking them when they complain about their livestock destroying crops. Equipped with AK47 assault rifles, these herdsmen sometimes leave dozens dead, including children when they attack.

Apparently, this morning, these herdsmen carried out an attack on Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area while local people were on their way to the market. They were waylaid at Opanda village, leaving many of them in a terrible condition, with unconfirmed reports that some of the victims died.

Graphic images from the attack show some of the victims with deadly machete cuts. They were subsequently rushed to the Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, from where they were referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

A few years ago, Nimbo, in the same local government area, suffered a similar attack, which left many dead. So far, the Enugu State Police Command is yet to confirm the attack or identify those behind it.