Nimbo demands N17b compensation from govt over killings

Nimbo community in Uzouwani local council, Enugu State has asked the Federal Government for N17 billion compensation for the losses incurred when the area was invaded by herdsmen on April 25 this year.

They also asked Enugu State government to build a traumatic centre or hospital to rehabilitate people of the community, saying herdsmen have constantly attacked the area for over two decades.

While testifying yesterday at the judicial panel of inquiry set up by Enugu State government on the recent attack by herdsmen, the traditional ruler of the community, Chief John Akor, said his people needs adequate protection.

Speaking on how the N17 billion compensation would be shared, he said: “My community demands that N5 billion is paid as compensation for the loss of lives and permanent deformity; N2 billion for the women who were raped and abused and N10 billion for economic losses.”

Akor said 11 persons died during the attack while several others were injured.

“The evidence of deaths recorded during the incursion stands at 11. The economy of our community has been ruined. Part of our prayers is for a combined team of police, DSS and the military to investigate why the invasion was not contained in spite of prior information to the effect.

“We equally request the Federal Government to establish security presence in Nimbo, being a border community,” he said.

Akor said he did not collect any form of gratification from the herdsmen to allow them graze in the community, adding that the economy of the community had been greatly affected due to the activities of herdsmen.

Also testifying, the President General of Nimbo Town Union, Mr. Ekere Matthias, said the community had coexisted peacefully with the herdsmen for over 30 years.