By Francis Igata

ENUGU—Governor of Enugu State,Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,yesterday, doled out N8.5 million as compensation to farmers of Ugwuleshi community in Awgu Local Government Area of the state where Fulani herdsmen had on March 15, destroyed farmlands and livestocks worth millions of Naira.

The incident led to the arrest of 76 members of the community who were arraigned at Umuahia,Abia State Magistrate’s Court on alleged arson and illegal possession of fire arms by the Police but were remanded in prison as the court declined jurisdiction over the matter.

This came on a day the member, representing Awgu/Aninri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and House Committee Chairman on Works,Tobi Okechukwu appealed to the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency,establish grazing reserves across the country to nip incessant Fulani/farmers clash in the bud.

While addressing the aggrieved farmers of Ugwuleshi community, bearing placards with inscriptions that read,”Fulani herdsmen have killed us, Save us from persistent attacks from herdsmen, our means of livelihood has been destroyed,” Governor Ugwuanyi expressed dismay over the incident assuring them that his government will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in their moment of grief.

“We are working round the clock to ensure the release of the 76 members of our community. As a government, we cannot be sleeping when you are crying. I salute the elders and other stakeholders who have ensured that peace reigned after the incident. These incidents have happened in Uzo-Uwani and Nsukka council areas and we contained it.

“I have come to stand by your side at this moment of grief that our people are detained in prison in far  away Umuahia. I am part of the people detained in the prison and I feel your pulse.   The farmers will get N8.5 million as compensation for being displaced. We will ensure that the 76 persons detained are released.”