By Special Correspondent

Governor Mbah has launched an emergency response initiative and supported Abor Isi-Ala and Mgbuji Eha-Amufu communities in Isi-Uzo LGA as well as Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani LGA, affected by alleged herdsmen attacks.

The devastating attacks left the affected communities reeling, with countless families displaced and livelihoods shattered. However, amidst the chaos, the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah has swiftly responded to the plight of the victims.

The Governor’s rapid intervention aims at bringing much-needed relief to the affected residents, who lost their homes, farms, livelihoods and belongings. The distribution of the relief materials was being facilitated by Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus(NG-CARES) programme, Enugu, Result Area2 (Fadama).

The relief package included agricultural inputs such as bundles of cassava stem, herbicides, organic fertilizers, food assistance (25kg bag of rice to each person), and agricultural assets such as power tiller machines with operator’s kits, cassava graters with jack, rice threshers, communal fryers and multi-purpose grinders among other things.

At the various distribution locations, there abound eloquent testimonies as the victims of alleged herdsmen attacks were seen jubilating and showering accolades on the state government and the Fadama platform for the amazing support services to them.

Mr Festus Ngene, a 55-year old farmer from Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, is one of the beneficiaries of the programme’s emergency response. His farm was ravaged by the attackers, leaving his family without a source of income.

“I was devastated when I saw my farm destroyed”, Mr Ngene recounted, tears welling up in his eyes. But then, the Fadama team arrived with food assistance, agro-inputs, and assets. It was like a miracle.” he said.

Another beneficiary from Abor-Isiala in Isi-Uzo LGA, Mr Kingsley Obeagu praised the programme’s transparent and efficient distribution processes, ensuring that the aid reached those who needed it most. She said “We received high-quality cassava stems, organic fertilizers and farming tools, the food assistance will also help us feed our families. We are grateful to the governor and the Fadama platform for their timely intervention.”

“This emergency response has given us hope again,” Mr Obeagu said smiling. The team worked tirelessly to identify genuine victims and deliver assistance, we are thankful for the dedication and compassion, we will never forget this kindness.”

Prior to the distribution of the relief items, the Enugu State CARES Steering Committee Chairman and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu noted that the state government is collaborating with NG-CARES using Fadama platform to provide emergency relief to the victims of alleged herdsmen attacks.

“This programme is a critical component of our response strategy, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure its success, as the intervention reinforces the state government’s resolve to protect and empower vulnerable communities,” he said.

“Our response initiatives include the distribution of agricultural inputs and assets, such as cassava stems, herbicides, organic fertilizers, food assistance, power tillers with operator’s kit, cassava graters with jack, rice threshers, communal fryers and multi-purpose grinders. We are committed to alleviating the suffering of affected residents and ensuring they receive necessary aid”, said Barr. Ozongwu.

He noted also that the state government has allocated a significant portion of its budget to support relief efforts, focusing on emergency response mechanisms, livelihood support and food security to ensure that the affected communities receive comprehensive support to recover and rebuild their lives.