Igbo militia Bakassi Boys regroups and arms itself in response to Fulani herder attacks

MEMBERS of the Igbo militia group the Bakassi Boys have regrouped and re-armed themselves in response to the recent attack by Fulani herdsmen in Enugu State that left 48 people dead.

 

Last Monday, Fulani herdsmen invaded Ukpabi-Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State armed to the teeth with AK47 rifles and carried out a gruesome attack. Coming on the back of similar attacks across the country, there have been calls for local people to arm themselves against the Fulani herders who appear to be a law unto themselves.

 

Determined to prevent the re-occurrence of such as attack, Igbo youths have revived the dreaded militia group the Bakassi Boys that dominated Igboland in the 1990s and 2000s. Known for their anti-crime vigilantism, the Bakassi Boys were frequently accused of engaging in illegal activities and human rights abuses but they enjoyed popular support in the areas where they operated.

 

Following the Enugu attack, however, prominent Igbo leaders decided on the urgent need to organise local people for self-defence against the invading Fulani herdsmen. As a result, the dreaded Bakassi Boys have started regrouping to provide security for local communities and towns across southeast Nigeria.

 

Former Bakassi Boys leaders who are still alive have been summoned to facilitate the regrouping of the group and also handle the recruitment of new members. They have been told that their assignment is mainly to contain the Fulani herders and ensure that they no longer cause destruction in any part of Igboland.

 

One Bakassi Boys leader said: “The action has become necessary because it appears the federal government is not ready to protect our people being attacked by the Fulani mafia. This Fulani and farmers clash has been happening in the north central and we thought it is a northern problem.

 

“Now, they have moved to the south to trouble our peace loving people. They kidnapped Chief Olu Falae in Yoruba land, they are now invading Igboland, yet the federal government is not doing anything to protect our people.”

 

Following the return to democracy in 1999, the Bakassi Boys emerged in response to a sharp increase in the crime rate across Abia State. They originally enjoined the support of the then governor, Orji Uzor Kalu who sensed the effectiveness of the group in combating the merciless crimes in Aba and its environs.

 

However, as the crime rate fell in Aba and rose in places, the vigilantes were invited to other major cities like Onitsha and Owerri to rid them of criminals. They have since been disbanded are allegations of human rights abuses and the fact that they were used as political thugs.