The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has disbursed more than N580 million as compensation to victims of a violent communal crisis that recently rocked the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area.
The compensation ceremony was held on Thursday at the Ishielu council headquarters in Ezillo and was represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila. The event was attended by community leaders, security officials, and residents.
The chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu, described the compensation as unprecedented and praised Governor Nwifuru’s swift intervention for restoring peace and allowing the community to return to farming and business activities.
Traditional ruler HRH Eze Thompson Ebeh provided a detailed breakdown of the compensation: each of the 18 residents affected received N22 million; 41 building owners were each awarded N4 million; four motorcycle owners shared N4 million; 20 small and medium enterprises were compensated with N20 million; and an additional N850,000 was paid for cash losses.
Eze Ebeh explained that the crisis stemmed from reprisals following the killing of a cow in Amegu land and involved unidentified gunmen. He emphasized that the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have brokered peace agreements to prevent further violence.
Another traditional ruler, HRH Eze Innocent Okafor of Ezillo Autonomous Community, commended the government's quick action and stressed that the herder-farmer conflict requires strong governmental leadership beyond traditional rulers.
Stakeholders noted that the Nkalaha crisis is one among several farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria, which have caused casualties, destruction of properties, and displacement. They expressed confidence in the state government's commitment to peace through dialogue, community engagement, and ongoing support for those affected.
Governor Nwifuru’s compensation and peace efforts mark a significant step toward healing and rebuilding the community after the turmoil, reflecting a prioritization of human lives and economic restoration in Ebonyi State.