By Princess Joy Omagha Idam
In a bid to further broker Peace between the waring communities of Amasiri -Ekumaubaghala and Edda Community, major stake holders met at Uhu Beni Amasiri to sign a Peace Pact as directed by the People Oriented Peace Loving Action governor of Ebonyi State Engr. David Nweze Umahi, to embrace Peace.
In attendance were the Minister of State Health, Barr. Joseph Ekuma Nkama, the two Local Government Chairmen; Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam, Afikpo North and Hon. Princewill Ekuma Nkama, Afikpo South LGA. The Coordinator Amasiri Development Center, Hon. Anya Baron Ogbonnia, The Coordinator Edda North Development Center. Traditional Rulers of the two communities led by HRH Ezeogo Idam Bassey Onya, Ubaghala III of Amasiri. Councilors, Ichies, ESSA Ruling Council. The Clergy led by Bishop Ken Daniel, PGs, Security personnels and the youths.
After the Igbo traditional ritual of breaking and eating of kolanut. The two communities admitted that they are indeed brothers, having the same maternal lineages. They agreed to “Give Peace a chance and allow the government appointed Committee to examine and resolve the land dispute and proffer a lasting solution to avoid future occurrences”.
The Host Hon. Uchenna Ibiam, Executive Chairman Afikpo North, thanked Amasiri people for accepting to make Peace with their Edda brothers. He stressed that “our converging here was one of the requirements marshalled out by my father Engr. Apostle David Nweze Umahi for restoration of Peace between Amasiri and Edda”.
“He noted that he and his Afikpo South counterpart have resolved from the very beginning to embrace Peace. Moving forward all we can experience is the glory of God in our land, he Declared”.
One of the Edda Elder who spoke appealed to Amasiri people over the mishaps, adding that “if their fathers were not in love with their Amasiri brothers, they would not have been born in the said land”.
Hon. Anya Baron Ogbonnia, the Coordinator Amasiri Development Center, appreciated “Governor Umahi for the strong will to maintain peace in every parts of Ebonyi State, he also charged the facts finding committee to be thorough in their job to complement absolute restoration of enduring Peace as initiated by the Peace loving governor”.
The Minister of State Health, Barr. Joseph Ekuma Nkama, “sympathized with the victims of the ugly incident. And pleaded with the leaders of both communities, while he advised the youths to sheath their sword as war is not a conventional means of settling dispute in this contemporary time”.
Barr Nkama noted that there are “alternative dispute resolutions without use of violence that can avoid loss of lives and properties to benefit us more if used. He encouraged more of jaw-jaw to resolve issues”.
The Minister of State Health, elevated by the Peace Pact, graciously donated N2 million naira to each of the communities. He also supported the Efforts of the Security Operatives EbubeAgu with N500,000 while they youth got N500,000.
“Prayers were offered for restoration of Peace and harmony in the area as people where encouraged to go about their normal businesses as both communities embraced themselves and drank together celebrating the Restoration of Peace and the beginning of a new phase”.
In a related development Eeekenders Magazine spoke with the Coordinator Amasiri Development Center Hon Anya Baron Ogbonnia via Phone interview on update concerning the Amasiri People being held hostage and he said ” the security agents have been mandated by the State government to do the needful and they are on it as we speak. It is their Primary Responsibility to carry out such findings”.
Hon Ogbonnia explaining further told Weekenders magazine that “The Governor had set up a Peace/Facts Finding Committee comprising people from Amasiri, Edda and Security Agents. Their Primary responsibility included unravelling what triggered the current attacks that left two dead. Since the piece of land is where they have been farming for decades”.
“On the 9 persons it’s not actually 9 it may be more or less. A woman and her two children were released who were residents in a farm settlement belonging to Ohaechara even before the Bike Riders that were released to the Council Chairman. The 3 Persons were held at the Junction of Amasiri while doing their Okada business”.
” No one can say for sure the exact number it’s a case of allegations and counters. I’m positive that the High Powered Committee will unravel things. He prayed for God’s intervention on the matter” he concluded.
Weekenders magazine appreciates Governor Umahi for being a father indeed to all and for giving funds to quench the impending war. Gratitude goes to the Chairmen of Afikpo North and Afikpo South for speaking with one voice on the need to “Embrace Peace”. As well as the leadership of Amasiri and Edda, God bless you all.