By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has disbursed over N580 million to victims of violent communal crisis that affected Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area in recent time.

The compensation which flagged off on Thursday at Ezillo, the Ishielu council headquarters, was performed on behalf of the governor by his deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, in the presence of community leaders, security chiefs, and residents.

Executive Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu, described the gesture as unprecedented, noting that the governor’s quick intervention restored calm 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.

The traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Thompson Ebeh, disclosed the breakdown of the compensation: 18 residents received N22 million each, 41 building owners received N4 million each, four motorcycle owners shared N4 million, 20 small and medium enterprises got N20 million, and an additional N850,000 was paid for cash losses.

Ebeh linked the crisis to reprisals that followed the killing of a cow in Amegu land, stressing that unidentified gunmen carried out the attack. He said the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies had brokered peace agreements to prevent further bloodshed.

“We cannot match them in strength. The only path is understanding and dialogue to stop a repeat of this tragedy,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ezillo Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Innocent Okafor, praised the government’s swift action, saying it reflected the priority placed on human life.

“Nothing is worth more than life. The Fulani herdsmen crisis cannot be solved by traditional rulers alone — government must lead the process,” Okafor maintained.

The stakeholders described Nkalaha attack as one of several farmer-herder clashes recorded in parts of Nigeria, which had left multiple casualties, destroyed homes, and forced residents to flee.

They expressed confidence that the state government would be committed to maintaining peace through ongoing dialogue, community engagement, and targeted support for victims.