Ebonyi State government has threatened to suspend all political appointees, Town Union Executives from Umuoguduakpu and Ukwuagba in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state if fresh gunshot, burning of houses are heard in the two communities.
Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Deputy Governor Ebonyi State handed down the warning when he paid a scheduled visit together
with some government officials and security operatives to the troubled communities.
with some government officials and security operatives to the troubled communities.
Igwe who called on all government appointees including those elected to ensure there is absolute peace in Ohaukwu LGA as human lives remain sacred and therefore should not be toiled, pleaded to the communities to desist from any form of reprisal attacks on Agila people of Benue State, stressing that the present administration would not tolerate violence and violation of the law of the land.
He then mandated the stakeholders of Ohaukwu LGA to hold a meeting between today and tomorrow and the resolution of the meeting sent to him latest Saturday morning as he pointed out that the Umahi-led administration has put modalities in place to ensure a cordial relationship between Ebonyi and Benue government.
You may recall that the two communities and their neigbouring, Agila, Benue State have been attacked by warlords over a piece of land said to be fertile and has the potentiality for huge agricultural yield.
“I don’t want to hear any gunshots in Ohaukwu again and if by chance I hear any, all the political appointees including those elected and development Union President General will be suspended while a caretaker committee will be set up.”
“We will make sure that nobody molest you. Information would be disseminated to the appropriate authorities. I am in constant touch with Benue government. Do not think that we will watch you killed like animals, rats. We will continue to dialogue with Benue people. If Fulani herdsmen conquer Benue, the next place is Ebonyi. We will ensure there is peaceful coexistence between us and Benue people.
“I want to sympathise with those affected by the incessant crisis. I bring the sympathy of the government to you. We have visited Ohaukwu severally. We appeal to you not to take laws in to your hands. We shall not as government allow you to destroyed or annihilated.”
“Our assurances are with you. We will continue to do our best to ensure that you are not annihilated. No part of the land of Ebonyi will be allowed for any enemy of Ebonyi to occupy. All government officials elected or appointed and the president general in Ohaukwu LGA will be suspended if the crisis starts again.”
“I want you to be united as a people. I want to see the attendance and resolution of that meeting. There is no problem you cannot shoulder. I don’t want to hear any gunshots in UmuoguduAkpu community,” he said.
However, different stakeholders of Ohaukwu LGA were given the opportunity to give an assessment of the boundary dispute in the area.
