By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has said it will grant amnesty to warriors from two warring communities of Effium and Ezza-Effium Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
A three-year old war between the communities has resulted to loss of several lives and properties worth millions of naira.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ben Odoh made the disclosure on Thursday in Abakaliki when stakeholders from both communities signed a peace pact as stipulated by the government ‘s white paper on the war.
Odoh said that the amnesty contained in the white paper would involve the warriors surrendering the arms they are wielding inside the bushes of the communities.
“The government will then handover the guns to the appropriate authorities and commence a de-radicalisation programme on them.
“This is because they are already radicals as government will forgive and ensure they are well re-integrated back into the society.”
The commissioner noted that those detained at the custodial centres due to the war would be profiled, pardoned and also re-integrated into the society.
“These are the sacrifices to make in achieving lasting peace to this war and the process has commenced with the signing of this peace pact.
“We had several meetings separately and collectively with stakeholders from both communities and their commitment shows readiness for lasting peace.
“I am the chairman of the white paper implementation committee and we are determined to conclude this task assigned to us by March 31.”
He noted that the white paper would be made available to the communities as they can follow due process to air areas of discontentment.
Prof. James Agina, Leader of the Effium delegation to the peace pact signing, said that his community was ready to abide to all government’s directive in the white paper.
“We are the aborigines and will continue to make sacrifices to ensure the end of this war that has wasted lives.”
Chief Joseph Utobo, Leader of the Ezza-Effium delegation said that they were displeased with several contents of the white paper.
“We have however accepted to sign the peace pact at the expense of our comfort because we are part of the present government.”
