Eight years after the tragic massacre on April 25, 2016, which claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals in Nimbo, Enugu State, Mohamed Zurai, the sole person convicted for the heinous crime, has confessed to his involvement. Zurai, a herdsman awaiting execution at the Enugu Correctional Center, admitted to recording the killings but denied directly participating in them.
During an undercover operation, Zurai disclosed that the massacre was triggered by the beheading of an Alhaji in the Enugu community. His role, he claimed, was to capture the killings on video using his cell phone, which ultimately led to his conviction by Justice Anthony Onovo of the Nsukka Division of Enugu State High Court on May 17, 2023.
Despite Zurai’ s confession, he alleged that the sponsors of the killings sought to eliminate him while in prison custody to prevent him from revealing further details about the incident. He also expressed bewilderment at being the only one convicted, as he claimed that over 20 individuals were involved in the operation.
Meanwhile, the recent attack on the Nimbo community, occurring on April 28, 2024, reignited tensions in the area. Four individuals lost their lives during the attack, which took place as villagers gathered to mourn the victims of the 2016 massacre. Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) distanced itself from the attack, alleging that native security operatives in the South- East were targeting their members.
In response to the attack, Governor Peter Mbah pledged to apprehend the perpetrators and provide support to the affected families. He also emphasized the need to strengthen local security measures and address underlying tensions in the region.
MACBAN’ s National Deputy Director General, Gidado Siddiki, urged South- East state governments and community leaders to recognize the association as strategic stakeholders and avoid unjust accusations against herdsmen. Siddiki highlighted the challenges faced by herdsmen, including threats from criminals and indiscriminate destruction of their markets.
The ongoing tensions underscore the complex dynamics surrounding security and communal relations in the region, emphasizing the importance of effective governance and inclusive dialogue in addressing underlying grievances
