Posted by Samuel on Thu 03rd Oct, 2024 - tori.ng
They marched through major roads, blocking the 9th Mile - Eke - Ezeagu and Eke - Akpakwume - Nze roads, to express their grievances and frustration over the insecurity that has plagued their area for too long.
On Wednesday, hundreds of women from the Eke Community in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State marched through the streets to protest the increasing instances of kidnapping in their area.
They marched through major roads, blocking the 9th Mile - Eke - Ezeagu and Eke - Akpakwume - Nze roads, to express their grievances and frustration over the insecurity that has plagued their area for too long.
The women chanted slogans and lamented the lack of attention and solution to their plight.
A video of the protest seen by SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening, shows the women blocking the road while chanting.
They are heard saying, "Kidnappers have dealt with Eke people. They are kidnapping us one by one. Kidnapper! Kidnapper!! Kidnapper!!! Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers have dealt with Eke people.
“Eke women, we don't go to our farms again. They don't go out again. Kidnappers have dealt with us in Eke. What crime have we committed? Our children who were trying to protect us, Nigerian soldiers killed them."
They called on the government of Enugu State to take an urgent and drastic measure to stop the frequent kidnapping incidents happening in the community almost on a daily basis.
This peaceful protest is a testament to the community's desperation for change. Eke community is one of the many villages in Udi Local Government Area.
Udi Local Government Area is known for its agricultural produce, including cassava, yams, and cashew trees. However, the recent kidnapping incidents have cast a shadow over the community's daily life.
The women's protest is a call to action for the authorities to address the insecurity and ensure the safety of the community.
Udi Local Government Area has 17 villages, including Eke, Ngwo, and Obioma. Each village has its unique culture and traditions. The community is known for its natural aquifer, which provides pipe-borne water to Enugu State and beyond.
The women's protest highlights the need for increased security measures and attention from the authorities to prevent further kidnappings and ensure the well-being of the community.
SaharaReporters has learned that Eke, a prominent community in the local government area, is grappling with a surge in kidnapping incidents, sparking widespread concern among residents.
Recently, soldiers shot and killed some members of the State Neighbourhood Watch from the community who were responding to a distress call over a kidnapping incident.