Peace has returned to Opu-Nembe community in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa State as warring parties in the crisis that rocked the community in 2022 have buried the hatchet and embraced unity.
The crisis in Opu-Nembe had reached its peak in August 2022 forcing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy a special team of Police operatives to the community.
Some of the major actors who have begged for forgiveness signed a peace accord to demonstrate the sincerity of their purpose.
In a carnival-like reception at the Opu-Nembe Civic Centre, the returnees were received by the chairman, Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Donald Theo-Iruo and scores of family members and friends.
Chief Theo-Iruo commended their decision to seek forgiveness and return home saying that peace has come to stay in the community. He added that the community would continue to open its arms to receive as many as are willing to return home and enjoy the peace in the community.
He noted that with the establishment of a Federal University in the community, all hands are needed on deck to ensure a smooth take-off of the tertiary institution.
“Those who took this bold step to come and reconcile with their people after the turmoil deserve commendation. Today is one of the best days that cannot be forgotten quickly. We believe that this peace we are looking for has come to stay. It is from our hearts. Anybody who desires to come back home and join this peace initiative is free to do so; the doors are still open,” he said.
Also, the youth president, Nembe Youth Federation, Toinpre Sambo assured those still on self-exile to return home and join hands to build the community.
“Those still on self-exile should come back home. We assure them that we have put the past crisis behind us.
The peace that returned to this community will endure.”
A member of the Opu-Nembe Peace Reconciliation Committee, Aseomiegha Orusakwe, commended the former minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, Dr Kojo Sam and the Council of Chiefs for creating an atmosphere of peace that has made those who went on self-exile to return home.
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