Ebonyi Communities Embrace Peace Deal To End Communal Clash

Traditional rulers and youths of Oso Edda In Edda Local Government Area alongside their neighbours from Amaziri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have resolved to end all forms of killings, abduction and other criminal activities in the lingering communal dispute between the two warring communities.

In a peace agreement signed by the leaders of the two communities at the Old Government House in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, the leaders of the two communities resolved to prevail on their fighters to lay down their arms to enable the State Government wade into the crisis for amicable resolution of the land dispute between them.

The traditional ruler of Ebunwana Edda, Eze Charles Azuenya and his Amasiri counterpart, Eze Onya Bassey-Idam, said the agreement will bring an end to the land dispute between Amasiri and Oso Edda.

Youth leaders from the two communities, Mr. Maduka Amadi from Amasiri and Comrade Nwachi Okoro Ibe from Edda also assured that they would take steps to end all forms of hostilities and cooperate with the State Government in their efforts to bring a lasting peace to the trouble area.

“We are happy with the steps taken by the State government in resolving the lingering crisis. We agreed to prevail on the warriors to lay down their arms to enable the State Government wade into the crisis with the aim of resolving the land dispute amicably,” they resolved.

Both communities also urged the Ministry of Border-Peace and Conflict Resolution, alongside the Office of the Surveyor General of the State to also take steps in demarcating the disputed land.

Addressing the communities, the Commissioner for Border-Peace and Conflict Resolution, Professor Paul Nwobasi, noted that the government has waded into the crisis to bring lasting solution for permanent peace to reign in the affected areas.

Prof. Nwobasi revealed that mediation and inspection of the disputed areas has commenced, adding that the two parties have mutually agreed to halt all forms of hostilities and attack against one another for lasting peace to be restored by the government.

He further cautioned that any party, group or persons that violate the peace agreement would face the wrath of the law.