…Directs For Security Beef Up
Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has declared the disputed land a buffer zone and directed both parties to steer clear from the disputed land as anybody found in the land would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Governor Nwifuru also directed security agencies in the State to beef up security around the area to ensure full compliance to the directives, and maintain law and order in the area.
In a statement signed by Prof Grace Umezurike, Secretary to the State Government said that the State Governor observed with serious concern, the lingering crisis between the people of Umobor-Akaeze and Ogwor-Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of the State over the piece of land.
Prof Umezurike also said that in it’s effort to resolve the lingering crisis between the two warring communities, the State Governor has also invites 20 stakeholders from each of the communities to a crucial meeting which is expected to hold on Monday 16th December, 2024 by 12 noon prompt at the Conference Room, Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Meanwhile, some residents of the area have commended the State Governor for the action taken in resolving the lingering crisis adding that declaring the disputed Land a buffer zone would ensure the restoration of peace to the troubled area.
A woman leader, Mrs. Stella Ajah maintained that the crisis has slowed down both agricultural and commercial activities in the area as most women who are predominantly farmers and business people had to stay indoors to avoid being killed in the farm.
She described the Governor’s directive as a right step in the right direction adding that the stakeholders of the local government must be mandated to call the warlords to order and ensure the two communities sheath their sword and let the governor mediate in this matter.
“We have lost a good number of our people in the land tussle. Not less than 15 persons has been killed within a space of one month including non-indigenes. There is the need for the stakeholders to call the warlords to other and for them to desist from further attacking people in their farms.
“Most of our women can no longer go to the farm even those who are not from the warring communities. Security should also be beefed up along the Ishiagu/Okigwe express road as motorist and commuters now avoid the express road.
“Christmas is fast approaching and there is the need to bring back peace to the area, so that innocent motorist and commuters returning home for the Christmas period will not fall into the hands of the warlords.
