ActionAid Nigeria, in partnership with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) has raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Abor Isiala, a community located in Eha Amufu, Isi-Uzo local government Area of Enugu State.
The organisation called on Nigerian government, security agencies, and humanitarian actors to act swiftly as the region faces a deepening humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said the community has been engulfed in violent attacks, attributed to armed herdsmen since 2022.
Memedu explained that the latest assault has led to the death of at least 30 people dead with over 7,000 residents displaced, forcing many to flee to cities such as Enugu, Awka, Abuja, and various communities across Imo State.
“The security crisis in Abor Isiala has had devastating consequences on the community, affecting livelihoods, education, and safety,” Mamedu said.
“The displacement of over 7,000 residents, the alarming number of out-of-school children, and the destruction of farmlands are indicators of a deepening humanitarian crisis.”
He noted that the ongoing violence has triggered multiple layers of hardship, including:
“Mass displacement, more than 7,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, education disruption 1,064 children are currently out of school, with only 30% able to attend classes amid fears of further attacks.
“Economic collapse, farmlands—the mainstay of the community—have been decimated, pushing many into food insecurity.
“Gender-based violence: Women and girls are increasingly vulnerable, with reported cases of rape and assault compounding the situation.
“Destruction of infrastructure, schools, churches, and marketplaces in Ogomugo and Mgbede communities have been severely damaged, crippling community life.”
ActionAid Nigeria, which has operated in Enugu State since 2021 under its Local Rights Programme appealed for urgent intervention.
It noted that despite efforts to empower women’s rights organisations, promote education, and address gender-based violence, the worsening insecurity has forced the organisation to scale down its operations to only Isi-Uzo and Uzo Uwani LGAs in 2023.
While acknowledging the government’s recent but brief deployment of police personnel, Mamedu insists that a more sustained and well-equipped security presence is urgently needed to restore normalcy.
ActionAid Nigeria, alongside its civil society partners, has outlined critical actions for the government and stakeholders to address the crisis including deployment of sustained and well-equipped security forces to Abor Isiala and surrounding areas.
Others include, “Conduct an independent investigation to hold perpetrators accountable and break the cycle of impunity.
“Provide emergency humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.
“Rebuild and rehabilitate destroyed infrastructure, including schools, homes, and markets, to enable displaced residents to return.
“Facilitate community dialogue and conflict resolution initiatives to address underlying causes and foster lasting peace.
“This is a humanitarian emergency that demands immediate and sustained action from all relevant stakeholders,” Mamedu stressed. “The people of Abor Isiala cannot continue to live in fear.”
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with the affected community, pledging continued advocacy for their safety, dignity, and well-being.
