The Ebonyi State Government has condemned the abduction of five villagers amid an ongoing boundary crisis between the Oso Edda community in Edda Local Government Area and the Amasiri community in Afikpo LGA.
The State Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, expressed the government’s displeasure during a peace meeting held at the Afikpo LGA secretariat over the weekend. She warned that political officeholders in the affected areas would face sanctions if the abducted individuals were not immediately released.
Speaking at the meeting, which was attended by the chairmen of Afikpo and Edda LGAs, Nwachi Timothy and Hon Chima Ekumankama respectively, along with traditional rulers and stakeholders, the Deputy Governor emphasised the government’s zero tolerance for lawlessness.
She said, “The government will not encourage lawlessness in any community. Why should the issue of land create disagreements with brothers to the extent of killing their kith and kin?”
Princess Obila reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the warring communities and urged all stakeholders to cooperate in achieving this goal.
The chairman of Afikpo LGA, Nwachi Timothy, condemned the abduction of five individuals—three from Amasiri and two from Cross River State—allegedly carried out by youths from the Oso community. He warned against the excesses of the youths, calling for the unconditional release of the captives.
He said, “The actions of the Oso community in abducting these individuals are unacceptable. I urge the community not to thwart the government’s efforts to peacefully resolve the crisis between them and their Amasiri brothers.”
In response, the chairman of Edda LGA, Hon Chima Ekumankama, condemned the attack allegedly carried out by the Idima community in Oso. He assured stakeholders that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
He pledged, “The attack from the Idima community is unacceptable, and we will investigate the matter to ensure justice and peace.”
Additionally, the development council coordinators for the affected areas, Hon Baron Ogbonnia and Mrs Nkama Nkama Ude, reiterated their dedication to restoring normalcy in the region.
The peace meeting concluded with a unanimous call for cooperation among the warring communities to bring an end to the boundary crisis and foster lasting harmony.
