In a powerful gesture of solidarity and compassion, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday distributed vital palliative items to survivors of the brutal herders’ attack on Nkalaha community, located in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The distribution event, held in the heart of the ravaged community, witnessed the presence of key government functionaries from the federal, state, and local levels. Among them were traditional rulers, community leaders, security personnel, and hundreds of affected residents, many of whom are still grappling with the trauma of the deadly incident.
Executive Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Peace Agwu, led the local government’s delegation at the event. In an emotional address, she paid tribute to the resilience of the Nkalaha people and reaffirmed her administration’s resolve to stand by them in the long road to recovery.
“Today, we gather not merely as officials, but as Nigerians bound by a shared grief and a collective resolve to restore what violence sought to destroy,” Agwu said. “This show of solidarity reminds us that we are not alone, and that the nation stands with Nkalaha in both mourning and rebuilding.”
Agwu praised the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, especially those affected by communal and criminal violence. She also commended NEMA for what she described as “an act of national solidarity that transcends politics and bureaucracy.”
Agwu announced that the local government would soon launch a rehabilitation program tailored toward agricultural recovery, youth empowerment, and trauma counseling.
“The journey to recovery has begun,” she affirmed. “With unity, vigilance, and the grace of God, we will build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.”
Representing the state governor at the event, Barrister Ikechukwu Alobo, Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, expressed deep condolences and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to not only providing relief materials but also enhancing security in the area to prevent future attacks.
“We mourn with you,” Alobo said, “and we are committed to not just responding, but preventing such tragedies through stronger community security frameworks and proactive governance.”
NEMA’s representative, Shartel Chukwu, extended the agency’s heartfelt sympathies to the survivors and applauded the collaborative efforts between the Ebonyi State Government and federal emergency services. He emphasized that the intervention was just one of many to follow.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Joseph Nwobashi, the Member representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, condemned the attack as “unwarranted, barbaric, and a stain on our collective conscience.” He vowed to push for stronger legislative backing for rural security and more sustained humanitarian interventions for affected communities.
“The pain of Nkalaha is the pain of every right-thinking Nigerian. We must ensure justice, safety, and support for every citizen, regardless of where they live," Nwobashi observed.
The palliatives distributed included food items including rice, indome noodles, amongst others.
Several survivors expressed gratitude for the support while urging the government to pursue lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity threatening rural communities. “We are grateful, but what we really want is peace,” one elderly resident said.
