Udi, Enugu State – SaharaNews247
Panic and fury have engulfed several rural communities in Enugu State following shocking discoveries of live explosives in local farmlands. Residents of communities within Udi Local Government Area have taken to the streets in protest, blaming the Nigerian Army’s recent shooting drills for what they describe as a “clear and present danger to civilian lives.”
Explosives in the Soil: A Frightening Discovery
What began as a routine day for farmers in communities like Ogbede, Ukehe, and Umoka quickly turned into chaos when residents stumbled upon what appeared to be unexploded ordnance (UXO) buried within their cultivated lands. Initial reports suggest that these dangerous remnants were a result of live ammunition used during the Army’s range classification exercise conducted between March 17 and 20, 2025.
The military had earlier issued warnings to communities near the exercise zone to avoid the area. However, locals argue that the safety protocols were insufficient, and many were not properly informed of the potential risks.
“We are farmers, not soldiers. How do you expect us to identify where the danger ends or begins? Now our farms are battlefields,” a visibly shaken farmer from Affa told SaharaNews247.
Army’s Position: Routine, Safe, and Necessary
In an official statement, the Nigerian Army confirmed the exercise took place and described it as a “routine operation aimed at maintaining combat readiness.” The statement further urged the public to remain calm, assuring that all safety measures had been taken.
“We understand the concerns of the people, but we emphasize that the exercise was well-publicized and carried out in a secure environment. Investigations will be made to ensure no leftover munitions threaten the safety of civilians,” said an army spokesperson.
Despite the reassurances, local residents remain unconvinced.
Community Outrage: “Our Lives Are Not Target Practice”
The discovery sparked immediate protests in affected areas, with hundreds of residents, including women and children, marching with placards demanding an immediate sweep of the area for remaining explosives and compensation for disrupted livelihoods.
Protesters chanted:
> “Our land is not a war zone!”
“Protect us, don’t endanger us!”
“Farms, not firing ranges!”
In a related outburst of public dissatisfaction, a recent protest in the Eha-Amufu community, also in Enugu State, turned violent as troops clashed with demonstrators. Three women were reportedly injured, further intensifying public resentment toward military presence in civilian spaces.
Human Cost: Fear, Loss, and Disruption
Many residents now live in fear, with some abandoning their farms — their only source of livelihood — until the area is declared safe. Mothers express fear for their children’s safety as schools near the drill zones have seen declining attendance.
A local teacher shared:
“Even if the Army says it’s safe, the children are scared. Parents are scared. We need thorough action, not press releases.”
Call for Independent Investigation
Civil society groups, traditional leaders, and rights advocates are now calling for an independent investigation into the incident. They demand a transparent demining operation across all affected areas and better communication between military forces and civilian populations in the future.
Conclusion: A Time to Act, Not Just Assure
This terrifying episode underscores a growing rift between security operations and the well-being of rural communities. As military readiness remains essential in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity, the line between defense and danger for civilians must not be blurred.
The government and military must act now — not only to clean up the fields but to rebuild the trust of the people whose lives they vow to protect.
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