The intervention, approved by Governor Francis Nwifuru, targets 57 victims who were directly affected by the violence, which claimed four lives and left several homes destroyed while dozens of residents were displaced.
Speaking on Thursday during the official distribution of relief materials and financial support at Old Government House Abakaliki, the Governor represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Moses Odunwa said the administration acted swiftly to prevent further humanitarian hardship and to reassure residents that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.
According to him, the governor’s decision to intervene was guided by the need to provide immediate relief for affected families rather than waiting for external assistance.
He noted that although the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier indicated a willingness to support the victims, the state government could not afford to delay assistance while residents continued to suffer.
“His Excellency believes that no Ebonyian should be left to languish in pain while government watches. That is why he approved this intervention to ensure that those affected can begin to rebuild their lives,” the governor's representative said.
He emphasised that the governor’s priority remains the restoration of lasting peace across Ebonyi State.
“There is no justification for shedding blood over land that existed before us and will remain after us. Peaceful coexistence is the only path to sustainable development,” he said.
The state government also assured the affected communities that further support mechanisms would be explored to ensure long-term recovery and stability in the region.
Under the relief framework, families of the four victims who lost their lives in the crisis received ₦2 million each alongside building materials and household essentials, including bundles of zinc roofing sheets, cartons of nails, food items, bedding materials, and clothing.
Eighteen other victims whose homes were destroyed were provided ₦1.5 million each to support reconstruction efforts, while three individuals who sustained injuries and were hospitalised received ₦1 million each to aid their recovery.
The remaining victims whose properties were partially damaged received ₦500,000 each, in addition to relief supplies including rice, garri, mattresses, wrappers, zinc roofing sheets, and other essential items.
Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, said the relief package was designed as a humanitarian response to restore dignity and provide immediate support to vulnerable residents whose livelihoods were disrupted by the crisis.
She explained that the intervention reflects the governor’s commitment to social protection and compassionate governance, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.
“When people lose everything such as homes, belongings, and even loved ones, they require the support of society to rise again. That is the essence of humanitarian service,” she said.
Aligwe added that many of the affected families lost not only their houses but also personal belongings and clothing when their homes were set ablaze during the violence.
“As a result, the government included clothing, bedding materials, food supplies, and roofing materials in the relief package so that victims can immediately begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EBSMA), Mr. Clement Ovuoba, described the intervention as timely and crucial for the recovery of the affected community.
He disclosed that Governor Nwifuru had cut short an official engagement to personally assess the situation following the outbreak of violence, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to rapid response during emergencies.
“Once the crisis occurred, the governor responded promptly after receiving our report as the agency responsible for disaster management. He immediately approved funds to ensure that the victims receive assistance without delay,” Ovuoba said.
He expressed optimism that the intervention would help restore stability and rebuild trust within the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, commended the state government for responding decisively to the plight of the Okporojo people.
He noted that residents of the community have long maintained a reputation for peaceful coexistence and pledged their continued cooperation with government directives aimed at sustaining peace.
“Our people believe in peace and respect for constituted authority. We are grateful that the government has listened to our cries and intervened at this critical moment,” he said.
Ekumankama also appealed for an end to recurring attacks, expressing hope that the crisis would mark the last episode of violence in the area.
The community leaders and beneficiaries who attended the event described the intervention as a lifeline for families struggling to recover from the aftermath of the conflict.
The state authorities, however, used the occasion to reiterate calls for reconciliation and restraint, urging residents of both communities to avoid retaliatory actions and embrace peaceful coexistence.
