Communal crises: Gov. Ugwuanyi tasks warring communities on peaceful co-existence
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has tasked the people of Ugbene and Ejuona communities, Alor Uno in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state and those of Opi and Umabor Ehalumona from the same L.G.A, to embrace peace and desist from further acts that could lead to violence in the areas or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
There has been a running supremacy battle between the people of Ugbene and Ejuona communities in Alor Uno, over who are the aborigines or slaves in the last 40 years.
There has also been a violent battle between the people of Opi community and the Umabor Ehalumona community over a boundary dispute between the two communities leading to the alleged killing of two persons.
Addressing the communities, Governor Ugwuanyi advised them to adopt his administration's peace and development initiatives which centre on the well-being and peaceful co-existence of the people, irrespective of their origin or background.
The governor who spoke during a peace meeting with the delegation of the warring communities at the Government House, Enugu, to resolve their differences, also told them that it is against the principles of his administration to witness such violent crises in the state which have degenerated to loss of lives and destruction of property.
He added that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he cannot sit down and watch the affected communities take laws into their hands and breach the peace and security of the state over communal issues.
Governor Ugwuanyi after listening to the presentation made by the various warring communities informed them that the essence of the meeting was to mediate and find a lasting solution to their communal differences in order to avert any impending crisis in the areas, stressing that Nsukka people are not known for such strange acts.
The governor told them that the state government will not hesitate to take appropriate actions against the interests of the affected communities or persons found to be fanning the embers of war.
He stated he would have no option if they do not embrace peace and desist from acts that could pose a threat to the security of the state and beyond.
Responding on behalf of the communities, the Transition Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Prof. Rose Onah, thanked the governor for his prompt and fatherly intervention on the matters and promised him that the communities will abide by the peace accord brokered at the meeting.
Other dignitaries at the meeting include the two honourable members representing Nsukka East and West constituencies in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba and Rt. Hon. Dame Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu.
Also present were the former House of Representatives member from Ehalumona community, Hon. Charles Ugwu, the former Secretary to the Enugu State Government from Opi community, Dr. Dan Shere, the relevant traditional rulers, president generals of the affected communities and other stakeholders.
