Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged residents of the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area to refrain from reprisal attacks following the brutal invasion of Amegu-Nkalaha village by suspected armed herdsmen. The attack, which occurred on Sunday morning, left at least 16 people dead and resulted in the destruction of homes and properties.
Despite the gravity of the assault, Governor Nwifuru, in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, emphasized the need for calm, assuring the community that his administration would do everything necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Eyewitness reports from SaharaReporters, which visited the village on Monday, revealed the full scale of the devastation. The death toll had risen to 16, with many residents fleeing their homes in fear. At least 25 houses were set ablaze, along with two motorcycles and other valuables worth millions of naira. Even yam barns, the community’s primary food reserve, were torched—plunging the survivors into an impending food crisis.
According to sources, the attackers struck when most villagers were away at church services or working on their farms, leaving their homes vulnerable to the onslaught. The unprovoked massacre has reignited fears of persistent security threats in the region.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, Governor Nwifuru condemned the attack as a “flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life.” He acknowledged that this was not the first time the area had suffered such violence, making it a cause for serious concern.
“I am saddened to learn about the attack on the people of Nkalaha, which led to the death of innocent citizens of the state. The attack is a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life,” Nwifuru stated.
“The attack, which is not the first in the area, is worrisome and a source of concern to both the government and the people of the state. However, as a government determined to secure our people by protecting lives and property, we shall take decisive steps to unravel the circumstances behind the attack.”
Reassuring the victims, the governor promised that his administration would not abandon them in their time of distress.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult moment, but be assured that you will not be left alone and that the perpetrators will be brought to book,” he vowed.
In response to the attack, Governor Nwifuru directed security agencies to mobilize immediately to the affected area to restore order and prevent further escalation. He urged law enforcement to act swiftly in bringing the culprits to justice, stressing that “strangers should not take advantage of the accommodating nature of our people to unleash terror on them.”
Despite the overwhelming anger and grief, the governor called on residents to exercise restraint and avoid retaliatory attacks, emphasizing that justice would be pursued through lawful means.
“I urge security forces to bring the situation under control, and to the residents, remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks,” he pleaded.
As the people of Nkalaha grapple with their loss and uncertainty about their future, all eyes are now on the Ebonyi State government and security agencies to fulfill their promise of justice and protection.
PIONEER NEWS 