Tragic events unfolded late on Thursday as a female student from St Paul’s College in Eke, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State was brutally killed.

Sources indicate that the suspected kidnappers responsible for the attack were believed to be Fulani herdsmen.

According to a resident who reached out to our correspondent, other students who were also struck by bullets are currently fighting for their lives in an undisclosed hospital. Vistanaij Media received a disturbing video showcasing the lifeless body of the victim, as well as some of the survivors of the attack.

In the video, a voice narrated the horrifying incident: “Fulani herdsmen attacked our students as they were going home after school. One of them was shot dead, and four students sustained gunshot wounds, with one dying instantly. This has gone on for far too long.”

“The young girl they murdered is seen here lifeless, and this student is unconscious,” the voice continued, pointing to another victim. “We pray for her survival as she sustained four bullet wounds. This attack was carried out by the Fulanis operating at Eke-Egede Road. These are the survivors, and we implore the government to come to our rescue. Our area has become a death zone.”

Vistanaij Media also reached out to the Principal of the Catholic Church-owned school, Rev. Fr. Frank, who confirmed the attack. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the promising young girl in such tragic circumstances.

Meanwhile, community sources revealed to Vistanaij Media that the area has long been a stronghold for kidnappers, with security agencies unable to curb the activities of the marauding herdsmen.

An anonymous community leader stated that victims of kidnapping in Udi and Ezeagu areas are often held captive in the same location until ransom is paid. Those unable to meet the ransom demands are typically killed after a few days.

The leader lamented that the forest area known as ‘Ofia-akwu,’ spanning approximately 15 kilometers, has become a death zone due to the activities of the Fulani herdsmen engaged in kidnapping.

Security agencies are aware that the herdsmen have occupied the location for years, committing various crimes, but efforts to remove them from the area have been unsuccessful.

In a related incident, a prominent traditional ruler was reportedly abducted by the same gang after the attack on the school bus. A message from Offorkansi Hyginus, PRO of the Affa security committee, requested prayers for the safe rescue and return of the monarch.

Vistanaij Media attempted to obtain a response from the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, who requested a text message to be sent. As of the time of filing this report, there had been no response to the message.