Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has expressed sadness over the brutal and unfortunate killings of innocent Izzi indigenes in their villages in the lingering Effuim, Ezza Effuim communal crisis that has left hundreds of persons dead and properties worth billions destroyed.
The governor said the deceased were victims of a conflict they knew nothing about. He commended the people of the Izzi clan for their peaceful disposition and maintained that their calmness should not be mistaken for cowardice but should be recognized as a sign of wisdom and maturity.
Governor Nwifuru made the assertion while addressing the Oha Izzi during their New Year homage to him at his country home in Offerekpe Agbaja, Izzi local government area.
“I must commend the people of Izzi clan for their remarkable restraint and show of maturity following the unprovoked killing of 13 indigenes of the clan by the Effiumites during the series of attacks on the people amidst the long-lasted communal crisis between the Effiumites and the Ezza Effium people in Effium community, Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State,” he said.
He also urged the people of Effuim to embrace peace and align with the state government’s peace initiatives to ensure that lasting peace returns to the Effium war-torn community.
He also advised Izzi indigenes handling state government projects to prioritise quick and effective delivery and further emphasized the importance of commitment to development.
He also charged all the political appointees in the state to step up their performances and fulfill their responsibilities diligently in their various areas of engagements.
Earlier in their separate speeches, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Architect Mbam Ogodo, and HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides and peace-driven initiatives.
They acknowledged his efforts in giving the Izzi clan a prominent voice in Nigerian politics and pledged their unwavering support.
The stakeholders also thanked God for the progress in Ebonyi State under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership and reaffirmed their support for peace and development in the state.
