By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State Government has disbursed ₦101.9 million to victims of the February 2, 2025, unknown gunmen attack in Nkalaha, Ishielu Local Government Area.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, performed the disbursement on Thursday at the council headquarters in Ishielu. She said the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effect of the incident which claimed lives, destroyed property, and left many displaced.
“With a heavy heart, I reflect on the tragic incident that happened on February 2 in Nkalaha. The loss of lives and properties was devastating, and we must live together as one family to ensure it never happens again,” Obila said.
The breakdown of the compensation shows that 18 bereaved families received ₦2 million each (₦36 million), while owners of 41 destroyed buildings got ₦1 million each (₦41 million). Four destroyed motorcycles were valued at ₦1 million each (₦4 million), while victims who lost cash during the attack were refunded a total of ₦816,000.
The Fulani community in the area also received ₦20 million for cows lost during the attack.
Obila urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, noting that the government would also provide social amenities to support the community’s recovery.
She commended stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace, assuring that the state would not abandon Nkalaha.
The Deputy Governor also announced that victims not captured in the first phase would be considered in subsequent rounds of assistance.
Peace Ifeoma Agwu, the Chairman of Ishielu LGA, described the governor’s intervention as “historic” for the people of Nkalaha. She said the attack, carried out by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, had left deep scars on the community, but swift government action helped avert further escalation.
“Not all leaders would show such compassion. His Excellency has restored permanent peace in Nkalaha, and our people have returned to their farms and businesses,” Agwu said.
The traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Thompson Ebeh, recounted that tensions escalated after a cow was reportedly killed in Ameko land, sparking reprisals. He confirmed that 18 residents, alongside owners of destroyed buildings, motorcycles, and farmlands, were among those to benefit from the government’s N22 million compensation package.
“We cannot fight them. The only solution is understanding and dialogue to prevent further clashes,” Ebeh stated, noting that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), had mediated agreements between the feuding sides.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Ezillo Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Innocent Okafor, commended the government’s swift intervention, stressing that the tragedy underscored the need to value human life above animals.
“Nothing is worth more than life. The Fulani herdsmen crisis cannot be solved by traditional rulers alone government must take the lead,” Okafor remarked.
The stakeholders noted that the Nkalaha attack has become one of several violent flare-ups linked to disputes between herders and farming communities in parts of Nigeria.
They expressed optimism that the Ebonyi State Government would be committed to sustaining peace in the area through continued dialogue, security surveillance, and humanitarian support.
