Ebonyi Community Welcomes Governor Nwifuru’s Peace Efforts.

Governor  Nwifuru.

The Amasiri traditional institutions in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State said yesterday they welcome measures so far taken by   Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to end the land dispute between their community and Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area.

They condemned the arson and killings of four Edda indigenes and the burning of houses in Okporojo, the disputed farm settlement,  and advised the state government to ensure that the perpetrators were fished out.

The traditional institutions also appealed to  Governor  Nwifuru to expedite action on the delineation of the boundary between Amasiri and Oso - Edda. 

The appeal is contained in a statement titled, "Urgent Appeal to His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru, Executive Governor of Ebonyi State: Expedite Action On Amasiri-Oso Boundary Delineation."

A part of the statement by the eight leaders of the Amasiri Traditional Institutions reads: "We humbly plead with our beloved Governor, as a people - oriented and listening governor, to intervene and order immediate implementation of the border delineation. This will, no doubt, bring relief to the communities and foster a harmonious coexistence"

The traditional institution recalled that the land boundary dispute between the Ndukwe and Ihie communities in Amasiri and Oso-Edda over Okporojo, a farm settled over the years, led to loss of lives and properties as well as the displacement of villagers. 

They said: "The ongoing dispute over the ownership of some pieces of land between Okporojo, Ndukwe and Ihie communities has led to violent clashes, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of villagers on both sides.

‘’This is deeply regrettable, and we condemn these barbaric acts in its entirety. We are all brothers, united with one lineage system in the whole of Afikpo and Edda local government areas without exception.

“Thus, any action that leads to bloodshed is not only an abomination, but totally out of the question. We thus condole with families that have lost their loved ones and properties since this senseless crisis erupted."

The association added that   Nwifuru needed to wade in order to "restore peace and order, enable villagers to access their farms safely, and prevent further bloodshed and destruction."

According to the statement, the Ebonyi State Government had, following a series of peace meetings between the affected communities late last year, initiated steps to delineate the disputed land, a move welcomed by both parties.

The process, according to the traditional institutions,  is anchored on a 2003 gazetted report, which both sides agreed would permanently resolve the boundary issue, with a renewed commitment to its implementation also reached in 2023.

The group, while lamenting the failure of the Ebonyi State Government to implement the  2003 gazeted report, added that the "delay in implementing the report has continued to fuel hostilities in the area as both sides obviously need to cultivate their lands to feed their families."

The statement added: "The Ebonyi State Government, after a series of peace meetings between the communities late last year, took the initiative to delineate the land, a decision that was welcomed by both parties. It is important to note that the current effort is based on a 2003 gazetted report, which the two sides agree will put the matter to rest. Another effort in 2023 still agreed on the implementation of the 2003 report. We are at a loss as to why the government is dragging their feet on its implementation. 

‘’That is why we have always borne all provocations, including killings of our children, abductions, and destruction of properties with equanimity and hoping solely on the government to right the wrongs. That is also why it is on record that we have never blocked any road, looking for people from neighbouring communities, despite losing countless souls to such barbaric acts. "