The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has come under intense criticism from Nigerians after he posted a message wishing the people of Enugu a “Happy New Month” for April, despite the escalating violence and destruction inflicted on several communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state. The governor’s post, which was intended to convey goodwill, was met with backlash from many citizens who felt that his message was insensitive in light of the ongoing security crisis.
On April 1, Governor Peter Mbah posted on social media: “Happy New Month, Ndi Enugu. Wishing you greater success and new opportunities.” While this message was meant to uplift the people of Enugu, it sparked outrage among Nigerians who have expressed frustration over the governor’s failure to address the growing security concerns in the state.
Backlash from Nigerians.
Many took to social media to voice their concerns, questioning the governor’s priorities in the face of the mounting insecurity affecting Enugu State. Here are some of the reactions from Nigerians:
Comr Tochukwu
“Happy New Month sir. Thank you for delivering good governance to our dear state. As your coordinator in Australia, your performance has silent those who attacked and blocked me during the 2023 election. You have no opposition come 2027.”
Chi ❤️
“Peter Mbah will not say or do anything about the killings of his people. But let Uromi happen in Enugu and you will see him running up and down like a teenager waiting to be laid.”
Osaro PhD, Csu.
“Hiss! Instead of defending your people. Y’all are sellout.”
Izu
“Happy new month?? @PNMbah the people of Enugu state are being killed and the women ravaged by bandit herders and their homes taken over. What is so happy about the month?? This sort of thing cannot happen in the North, we can’t tolerate such here as well! So sir, swing into action.”
Buchi Odoh
“Happy new month of April Your Excellency.”
Ugodrey 🦅
“Building bus terminals and hotels is not more important than providing security for your people.”
Onyeka jr
“Happy new month, the best governor 🥰 but the insecurity in the state is trying to rule out your good deeds 😔”
Balatic (PO=Comp+Integrity+Equity)
“Eha-Amufu is being overrun by terrorists. Do your work.”
SIMON EKPA Donnie Easydon Love
“Go and wish a happy new month to the wailing mothers and deserted areas of Eha-Amufu…onuku governor. Find a way to fix insecurity!! Find a way!!! Don’t let criminal organ harvesters build a base in your state!”
Chuks Kitchen
“Why are you so quiet on the people of Iha Amufo? Rescue that land now, Ndubuisi.”
Izuuu
“What’s happy about the month???? Your people are getting killed every day and you keep turning a blind eye to it.”
Sub-Pharmacist🍏
“Tomorrow is here.”
FG STUDIOS247📸
“Go and save your people no Dey shalaye.”
N_Ikay_
“April fool government.”
I_am ify (Abuja) Always grateful 💯
“Shameless man.”
Chızzy
“This is rather insensitive…you should be mourning…or at least showing why you are the chief security officer of your state.”
Typical Ibadan 🌴
“This looks better.”
BCN
“Your state is under attack by herdsmen and for once you never said anything in that regard. What are you doing to protect the lives of Enugu people? You are the chief security officer of the state, ensure your people are safe. Address insecurity in Enugu state.”
Phil Chad
“Eha Amufu is bleeding and other parts of Enugu state, why have you abandoned your people to die in the hands of terrorists? Is like you have interest in their land? Learn from Alex Otti what he did in Lokpanta.”
MandelaJunior🇬🇭🇳🇬
“Fix insecurity Mr. Peter Mbah.”
Mechelito 🖤
“What’s good about being happy when Eha-Amufu people ain’t sleeping in their houses. No official statement nor visit? Or are they not part of Enugu state anymore?”
The outpouring of frustration from citizens was clear: Governor Mbah’s message was seen by many as tone-deaf, with accusations of neglecting the safety and well-being of his people. The growing insecurity, especially the violence in the Eha-Amufu region, has led many to question the governor’s ability to handle the state’s security challenges.
The Eha-Amufu Attacks.
A devastating trail of destruction and displacement has been left in the wake of relentless attacks by assailants suspected to be herdsmen on farm settlements in Eha-Amufu. According to SaharaReporters, these attacks have been ongoing since 2002 but escalated dramatically in 2020, reaching a peak in recent months.
In February 2024, Ndiagu Amofia village, one of the largest farm settlements in Umuhu Eha-Amufu, was overrun, forcing residents to flee for safety. The violence has not been limited to just this settlement—44 farm settlements across the region have been targeted, with communities like Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu being hit the hardest. Entire villages have been emptied, with their homes and farmlands now occupied by herdsmen.
In total, nearly 44 settlements have been ravaged, and the residents have sought refuge in neighboring towns and cities, including the Enugu metropolis. Many survivors are now living in camps or squatting with relatives, while their homes are either occupied or destroyed by the attackers.
SaharaReporters further reveals that the attacks are not only about banditry but also a strategic land-grabbing operation, with the herdsmen reportedly taking over vast swathes of farmland. Some of the affected areas include Abor, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Mgbuji, where more than 40 settlements have been abandoned by their rightful owners.
Local residents and observers have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Governor Mbah’s perceived inaction, particularly as Eha-Amufu and other regions continue to suffer. @PhilChad477107 questioned why the governor has remained silent on the issue: “Eha amufu is bleeding and other parts of Enugu state, why have you abandoned your people to die in the hands of terrorists?”
Several commentators suggested that the governor, as the chief security officer of the state, should be doing more to ensure the safety and security of his people. @subpharmacist put it bluntly: “Tomorrow is here,” indicating that the situation could worsen if immediate measures are not taken.
Critics have pointed to other states where governors have been proactive in addressing similar issues. Some have urged Peter Mbah to learn from leaders like Alex Otti of Abia State, who responded decisively to security threats in his own region.
The Silent Struggle of Eha-Amufu.
The ongoing attacks have forced many residents into protest and the affected communities into precarious living conditions. Chief Obeagu Odoh, a local leader, told SaharaReporters that displaced residents are living in camps or with relatives, while their land and property remain under the control of the herdsmen. “Some are living in Enugu, some hired houses in the camp, while some are squatting with relations,” Odoh explained.
For the residents of Eha-Amufu, the toll of the violence is not just physical but emotional. The region, once known for its agricultural productivity, has now become a symbol of displacement and vulnerability. One resident, Chigbo Okibe, summed up the situation, saying, “All the farm settlements in our community, nobody goes there. If you dare, it is either you are killed or kidnapped for ransom or you escape with injuries.”
More Read
The latest attacks on Eha-Amufu and surrounding communities in Enugu State and other neighboring states have sparked outrage not only among local residents but also among Nigerians who have voiced their concerns about the governor’s silence. As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Peter Mbah faces mounting pressure to take swift and decisive action to protect the lives and property of his people. The growing crisis in the state has left many wondering whether the governor will step up to address the urgent security challenges facing Enugu or continue to face criticism for his perceived inaction.
