Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has released over ₦580 million as compensation to victims of the violent communal crisis that recently rocked the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area.
The disbursement, flagged off on Thursday at Ezillo, the council headquarters, was presented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, on behalf of the governor.
The event was attended by community leaders, security chiefs, and residents.
Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs Peace Ifeoma Agwu, described the governor’s intervention as unprecedented, noting that the swift compensation had restored calm and stability in the once-troubled community.
“This is a historic moment for Ishielu people. Not all leaders would show such compassion. His Excellency has restored permanent peace in Nkalaha, and our people are back to their farms and businesses,” Agwu said.
Providing details of the package, the traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Thompson Ebeh, explained that 18 residents received ₦22 million each, 41 building owners got ₦4 million each, four motorcycle owners shared ₦4 million, 20 small and medium enterprises were allocated ₦20 million, while an additional ₦850,000 was paid out for cash losses.
Ebeh attributed the crisis to reprisals that followed the killing of a cow in Amegu land, which escalated into attacks by unidentified gunmen.
He noted that peace agreements brokered by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies had since restored order in the area.
“We cannot match them in strength. The only path is understanding and dialogue to stop a repeat of this tragedy,” the monarch stated.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Ezillo Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Innocent Okafor, commended the government’s swift response, stressing that the crisis underscored the importance of state-led interventions.
“Nothing is worth more than life. The Fulani herdsmen crisis cannot be solved by traditional rulers alone; government must lead the process,” Okafor maintained.
Stakeholders at the event described the Nkalaha incident as one of several farmer-herder clashes that continue to affect communities across Nigeria, leading to deaths, destruction of property, and mass displacement.
They expressed optimism that the Nwifuru-led administration would sustain peace-building efforts through dialogue, community engagement, and support for victims.
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