By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki.
Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Governor of Ebonyi state.
(C). Facebook.
Following the lingering land dispute between the people of Abaomege and Ishinkwor Communities in Onitcha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the state government has disclosed its intentions to restore permanent peace in the area for the wellbeing of the people.
In this regard,the State Government,through the White Paper implementation committee, Chaired by Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the state ,Barr. Bernard Odo, met with the Stakeholders of Ishinkwor community in preparation for signing of peace agreement between the warring communities on Friday.
Nigerian post gathered that Abaomege and Ishinkwor communities have been at war for 111 years over a fertile land with many lives lost and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.
The White Paper implementation committee had earlier met with stakeholders of Abaomege before meeting with those of Ishinkwor on Wednesday.
Addressing the stakeholders of Ishinkwor at the executive council chambers, old Government House, Abakaliki the state capital, Odo expressed certainty that with collaborative approach, the state government will permanently resolve the crisis.
He said, “This committee is an implementation committee of white paper on Abaomege/ Ishinkwor crisis.
“Just as the name implies, we are not alternative dispute resolution committee, we are not fact-finding committee, we are not an appeal court or quasi committee, we are implementation committee.
“I am holding unto uncertainty with passionate conviction that this crisis between the good people of Abaomege and Ishinkwor that has lasted for 111 years were many lives have been lost and properties worth millions destroyed will come to an end”he stated.
He disclosed that the state government has approved the rebuilding of Effium market and Effium high school destroyed by warlords in the Effium/Ezza Effium crisis, Ohaukwu local government area of the state that claimed many lives.
The principal Secretary to the Governor Chief Mathias Adum and CAN chairman in Ebonyi State, Scamb Nwokolo urged the people of Ishinkwor community to sheath their swords and embrace the State government decision by given peace a chance for the growth and Development of the area.
Adum added that whoever that further the crisis would have Government to contend with.
The traditional ruler of Ishinkwor community, HRH Jehoshaphat Nnanna commended the state government for it’s efforts in resolving the age-long crisis.
He assured that the community will give all the necessary support to the government to find permanent solution to the crisis.
