Human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded urgent security intervention in Ukpata community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man and left several others injured.

Ejiofor also called on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to visit the grieving community, assess the devastation and take decisive measures to prevent further attacks.

He warned that residents should not be abandoned to armed groups allegedly operating in the area’s forests and farmlands.

The latest attack reportedly occurred on Friday, October 29, 2026, when heavily armed assailants invaded Ukpata community and opened an attack on residents.

The victim, identified as Ezechi Ekenechukwu, was reportedly shot dead during the assault. He was said to be the breadwinner of his family, while several other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Graphic photographs obtained from the scene showed Ekenechukwu with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest and machete injuries to his hands.

As of Monday morning, November 2, no arrests had reportedly been made, while residents remained apprehensive over threats of further attacks.

Barrister Benjamin Nebe, an indigene of Ukpata residing in Enugu, had confirmed the attack.

Reacting to the incident in a statement issued on Monday, titled “When Ancestral Homes Become Killing Fields: Ukpata Community Bleeds From A Deadly Invasion By Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen, As Families Weep Over Their Fallen Loved Ones,” Ejiofor condemned the killings and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

He described the attack as another devastating wave of violence against the peace-loving people of Ukpata, lamenting the loss of the young man whose family depended on him for survival.

“Ezechi Ekenechukwu, a promising young man and breadwinner whose life was brutally cut short by the invading assailants,” Ejiofor said.

“A family that once looked to him for hope and sustenance must now contend with the unbearable reality of his absence.

The lawyer questioned why the protection of rural communities has not received the same urgency as political activities in the state.

He particularly criticised the timing of the attack, which coincided with the elaborate inauguration of Governor Mbah’s campaign council, an event that attracted political appointees, a Catholic bishop and other religious leaders.

According to Ejiofor, while political permutations and electoral calculations were receiving attention, residents of Ukpata were mourning their dead and struggling to protect themselves against further violence.

He urged Mbah to suspend the celebratory atmosphere surrounding political activities and personally visit the affected community.

“Perhaps Governor Peter Mbah should consider suspending the celebratory rhythm of campaign activities long enough to visit this grieving community, personally assess the devastation and demonstrate that the lives of rural Enugu residents matter just as much as the political arithmetic of the forthcoming elections,” Ejiofor stated.

“After all, what is the value of an elaborate campaign council when the very communities whose votes are being courted cannot sleep without fear of annihilation?”

Ejiofor further warned that the continued presence of armed criminal elements in the forests and farmlands of Uzo-Uwani could embolden further attacks if the government failed to take decisive action.

He called for sustained security operations to dislodge criminal elements allegedly occupying farmlands and surrounding bushes, insisting that residents must be able to return to their farms and ancestral homes without fear.

The lawyer also commended Enugu State Forest Guards for their efforts but said they needed more sophisticated operational equipment, intelligence support and adequate resources to confront heavily armed attackers.

“The Enugu forest guards deserve commendation for the sacrifices they continue to make under exceedingly difficult circumstances,” he said.

“However, their efforts must be reinforced with more sophisticated operational equipment, intelligence-driven security interventions and decisive government action.”

He maintained that the situation could not be resolved through political speeches, committees or what he described as cosmetic security arrangements.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: the illegal occupation of the farmlands and bushes of Ukpata cannot end through wishful thinking, political speeches or cosmetic security arrangements,” Ejiofor added.

He also called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks, warning that the community’s continued exposure to violence could result in more deaths and displacement.

“Ukpata is burning. Its people are mourning. Its ancestral heritage is under siege. This is no longer a matter for another committee, another promise or another campaign speech. It is a call for urgent, decisive and uncompromising action,” he said.

The latest killing has renewed concerns about the security situation in Uzo-Uwani, an agrarian area of Enugu State where residents depend heavily on farming for their livelihoods.

The area has previously experienced deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen.

In June 2024, suspected herdsmen killed two young men in Ukpata and Opanda communities, also in Uzo-Uwani, amid reports of attacks on residents and farming communities.

In an earlier warning published on October 28, Ejiofor had raised concerns about alleged armed men’s occupation of ancestral farmlands, intimidation and threats to residents in Ukpata, urging Governor Mbah to reclaim affected territories and prevent a wider security and humanitarian crisis.

He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

“Enough of the bloodletting! Ukpata must not be abandoned!” he declared.