The traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community in Isi-Eze Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, HRH Eze Thompson Ebeh, on Thursday, said that the only way to have peace with Fulani herdsmen is to refrain from killing their cows.

HRH Ebeh disclosed this to The Guardian this at Ezillo, during the disbursement of compensation to victims of the October 1, 2024, communal crisis in Nkalaha, Ishielu Local Government Area, which claimed lives, destroyed properties, and disrupted livelihoods.

He recounted that the tensions escalated after a cow was reportedly killed in Ameko land, which sparked reprisals, revealing 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, dialogue and most importantly, not killing their cows, which will prevent further clashes,” Ebeh stated.

The flag-off was performed by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, at Ezillo, the headquarters of the Ishielu council.

Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu, hailed 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.

Similarly, the traditional ruler of the 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 all else.

“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. Newspaper subscription bundles

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. (The Guardian)