A professional group, Ebonyi South Peace Initiative has called on the state government to beef up security along the axis of the Abaomege and Ishinkwo boundary demarcation exercise which is ongoing to avert any form of disruption of the process by those plotting to halt the demarcation exercise.
The group also condemned the actions of a few individuals working to halt the ongoing boundary demarcation process along the disputed land.
They maintained that those championing the halting of the process are the true enemies of both communities.
The group’s secretary, Mr. Ezaka Ifeanyi, maintained that any attempt to disrupt or scuttle the demarcation process might alter the peace already achieved by the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, and the local government area chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbuofia.
The group called on the people to remain calm as the exercise is nearing completion, adding that the demarcation is not aimed at favouring any of the communities but will ensure fairness to all parties involved.
They commended the peace initiative and political will of the state governor Francis Nwifuru to ensure an amicable resolution of all communal crises in Ebonyi, adding that almost all the communities that have been at war are now embracing peace.
“In Ebonyi State, it is one communal crisis or the other. It’s either between the people Abaomege and Ishinkwo, or the people of Ezza Effuim and Effuim or the people of Akaeze and Ishiagu but today, no single community is engaged in communal crisis again.
“The case of Abaomege and Ishinkwo will not be an exception. The council chairman of Onicha, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbofia, who is also disposed to peace, has ensured that the people of the area embrace peace and end over 127 years of killings and destruction of properties.”
The chairman of the group, Pastor Eugene Nwagu described as unfounded the allegation against the chairman of the local government that he was a “trigger man” in past conflicts, saying the allegation is completely unsubstantiated.
“There is no evidence or legal proceedings to support this claim. Even if he had a history of involvement, his current role demands neutrality, and he has conducted himself accordingly.
“If there were genuine concerns about his conduct, the proper approach would be to provide documented evidence rather than rely on hearsay,” he said.
He added that the claim that Hon. Ogbofia is “personally financing” the demarcation is false, saying as chairman of Onicha LGA, he administers government funds for the project, ensuring due process is followed.
