By Ngwuoke Ngwuoke
To further consolidate on efforts to resolve a land dispute between them, the people of Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area and Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area have reached an agreement to maintain peace in the area.
Fighting broke out between the two neighbouring communities over parcels of land which led to deaths, abductions and massive destruction of houses and farmlands.
Representatives of the waring communities some government functionaries met at Uhu Ben, a farm settlement, in continuation of peace efforts initiated by the State Governor, Chief David Umahi.
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”.
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 had 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 Elders 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”.
An Elder from Amasiri who poured libations to the ancestors of the land, asked them to intervene and restore Peace.
Hon. Anya Baron Ogbonnia, 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.
The Minister of State Health, 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 swords as war is not a conventional means of settling dispute in this contemporary time.
He asked the people of Amasiri and Edda to seek alternative Peace Process devoid of blood letting.
“There are alternative dispute mechanisms without use of violence that can avoid loss of lives and properties to benefit us more if used”.
I encourage more of jaw-jaw to resolve issues”.
The Minister of State Health, excited by the Peace Pact, donated N2 million naira to each of the two communities and also supported the efforts of security operatives, Ebube – Agu, with N500,000.
