Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, has disclosed that the gruesome killings on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Amagu Nkalaha in Ishielu Local Government Area was not executed by Fulani herdsmen.

According to him, the killing was carried out by criminal elements within the community.

Speaking after a church service at the Government House Chapel, the governor said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the attacks were perpetrated by local hoodlums.

“The recent killings at Amegu Nkalaha Community were carried out by some criminal elements from within the community, not herdsmen as earlier alleged,” Governor Nwifuru stated. “This is an unfortunate situation.”

The attack last Sunday saw suspected gunmen invade three villages in the Nkalaha community, killing about 17 people and burning several houses.

Governor Nwifuru also announced the recall of four commissioners and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, who were suspended in November last year.

The reinstated officials are:

Dr. Moses Ekuma (Commissioner for Health)

Hon. Chinedum Nkah (Commissioner for Water Resources)

Engr. Francis Orie (Commissioner for Housing)

Hon. Uchenna Igwe (Commissioner for Local Government)

The governor issued a stern warning to contractors handling government projects, urging them to expedite project execution or face government sanctions.