Herdsmen: What Ishielu chairperson, Agwu did to forestall genocide in Nkaleha community

By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The killings and razing of valuable properties in three villages; Amegu, Amaokwe and umunesha in Nkaleha community, Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State by suspected herdsmen would have been very massive and gruesome, if without the efforts put in place by the council Chairperson, Mrs. Peace Ifeoma Agwu.

Investigation revealed that Amegu village had a serious altercation with herders ranching near the Ebonyi River, a boundary between Ebonyi and Agila in Benue state, that resulted in killing of their cows by unidentified gunmen in the area.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the action of killing the said cows by unknown gunmen prompted the female council boss, Agwu to invite the herders, traditional rulers of Nkalaha and Agila communities for a peace talk.

It was learnt that the state government through the office of the deputy governor, Patricia Obila, also summoned the stakeholders of Nkalaha community together with the herdsmen, and gave three weeks ultimatum for the stakeholders of Amegu to provide the kingpin that killed the cows.

It was equally gathered that the deputy governor during the meeting emphasized the readiness of the state governor Francis Nwifuru to assist the herders for their cows that were killed.

Investigation revealed that the three weeks ultimatum given by the deputy governor, Obila has not elapsed before the suspected herdsmen invaded and  attacked the Amegu village and two other villages, killing about sixteen persons, while two still missing.

Speaking to journalists on the incident, the female council boss of Ishielu LGA, Agwu described as uncalled for and barbaric the attack and killings of the said persons by the suspected herdsmen.

According to her; “Amegu village had an issue with the Fulani herdsmen that resulted in the killing of their cows. 

“It is a very big issue, and I placed a call to the security agencies, and I informed the commissioner of police, CP. Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya about it. The DPO of Ishielu division is also aware of it. 

“We have been on this issue since December up till now. And I have as well contacted the traditional ruler of Nkalaha and traditional ruler of Agila communities. I invited them for a peace talk, and pleaded with them to ensure that peace continues to reign amongst us.

“We did everything to ensure that peace reign, even the deputy governor, Patricia Obila gave us a three weeks mandate to reconcile the difference between Amegu and herdsman, but it was unfortunate that this ugly incident happened now. 

On Saturday, I also sent some security agencies to come to Amegu village to monitor and tackle the security situation. I and the SA on security, neighbourhood watch among other stakeholders equally came to make sure that there is peace in this place.

“We get a response from the Amegu village that they have reconciled with the herdsmen that there is no problem again, only to receive an ugly call on Sunday morning while I was dressing up for church, that the Fulani herdsmen attacked Amegu village in Nkaleha autonomous community.

“I quickly removed my church wear and rushed to the Amegu village on the spot assessment, and I discovered that the attack and killings are real” she stated.

The council boss, Agwu further reiterated the committed efforts of her administration to collaborate with the state government led by governor Francis Nwifuru to forestall further breakdown of laws and order, invasion/ attack of any community and killings of the people in Ishielu LGA by suspected herdsmen or gunmen. 

“Honestly, it was sad news. Though the state government under the leadership of governor Francis Nwifuru is handling it in a way that such attacks and brutal killings will never occur again in those three villages of Nkalaha community. 

“I commiserate with the deceased families and assure them that we will liaise with the state government to ensure that their welfare is properly taken care of. The state government has promised to ensure that all their entitlement as regards to this incident is given to them” she stressed.