The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to convene an emergency security meeting with all Community President Generals and Youth Leaders, amid escalating attacks by suspected herdsmen and gunmen across the state.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, OYC National President Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka called on the Governor to act immediately or be held accountable for any further loss of lives in Enugu.
The OYC cited repeated attacks and violent crimes in areas including Enugu Ezike, Uzouwani, Ezeagu, Udi, Opi-Nsukka, and Eha-Amafu, where residents have suffered multiple invasions, kidnappings, and killings—with Eha-Amafu reportedly attacked three times in recent years.
According to the group, armed herders and bandits have exploited border routes between Enugu and Benue states to abduct travelers and hide victims in forested areas around Opi-Nsukka and Ezeagu.
Comrade Igboayaka urged that only indigenous community members can effectively defend their land. He called for a strategic closed-door meeting involving community leaders and youth representatives from the state’s three senatorial zones, along with their respective senators.
“The days of rhetorical condolences and mass burials must end,” Igboayaka declared. “The safety of our people now lies in our hands. We must take responsibility.”
Mobilization for Self-Defense
The group is also encouraging youth leaders to mobilize their communities for self-defense, citing a recent statement by the State Security Service (SSS) encouraging local efforts in protecting farmlands, lives, and property.
The OYC pledged to provide tactical intelligence support to communities, working closely with local leaders to develop tailored community-based security frameworks.
Comrade Igboayaka emphasized that the time for action is now:
“Governor Peter Mbah must act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed. The Enugu-Benue-Kogi borders are porous and must be addressed immediately.”
