By Francis Igata

ENUGU—Following the slaughter of 11 natives of Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu last Aprilby Fulani herdsmen, the Federal Government has been asked for a N17 billion compensation for the losses incurred during the invasion of the community.

The IGP, Arase coming out of Igwe John Akor of Nimbo’s palace, after Arase’s fact- finding tour of Nimbo following Fulani herdsmen attack on Nimbo, killing over 40 people.

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

While testifying Tuesday at the 17-man 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 need 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 prayer 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.