Communal Crisis: Ebonyi Govt Warns Against Truncating Peace Process

The Ebonyi State commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Donatus Ilang has said that the state government will not hesitate to deal with any individual or group of persons truncating the peace process initiated to end the lingering crisis between Amasiri and Akpoha communities in Afikpo local government area of the state.

Dr. Illang also called for a detailed investigation into the recent renewed tension between the two communities following the alleged  attack  on one person in Ezeke, Amasiri community.

He gave the warning while interacting with the leadership and stakeholders of the two communities in his office at the old Government House, Abakaliki.

Dr. Ilang noted that conflicts, crisis and killings in some communities of the state has retarded progress and development and urged the stakeholders to unite and assist the security agencies in fishing out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Let me inform you that the state government will not fold its hands and watch individuals or groups of persons disrupt the peace of the two communities. Let me also use this opportunity to urge the two communities to use all available means including traditional means of settlement to fish out the perpetrators of the ugly act,” he added.

He appealed to the committee handling the land dispute to expedite action and propose a solution for possible implementation by the state government and local authorities.

The state commissioner for Market Development, Prof. Nwogo  Obasi, said that those propagating the ember of war remain the true enemies of the two communities and urged the people to reveal the identity of the person who masterminded and carried out the attack.