The people of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have condemned the killings and destruction of properties in Okporojo.
They have, therefore, expressed support for any action by the state government to fish out the perpetrators.
In a letter of appeal to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Chairmen of town’s traditional institutions; the Ichie, the Essa Ruling Council, Ekpu Uketo, Uke Ezeke, Uke Ihie, Uke Ndukwe, Uke Ohaechara and Uke Poperi, who represent the five village groups in the community, the people noted that the ongoing dispute over the ownership of some pieces of land in the area has led to violent clashes resulting in massive loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of villagers.
They believe that prompt delineation of the land in dispute would guarantee peace and harmony.
The letter reads: ‘The ancient traditional institutions in Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area, humbly appeal to our dear Governor to expedite action on the delineation of the boundary between Amasiri and Oso – Edda communities.
‘The on-going dispute over the ownership of some pieces of land between Okporojo, Ndukwe and Ihie communities has led to violent clashes, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of villagers on both sides.
‘This is deeply regrettable and we condemn these barbaric acts in its entirety. We are all brothers, united with one lineage system in the whole of Afikpo and Edda local government areas without exception. Thus any action that leads to bloodshed is not only an abomination, but totally out of question. We thus condole with families that have lost their loved ones and properties since this senseless crisis erupted.
‘Quite unfortunately, it does look like all our neighbours rose up at the same time to make an in course into our lands. These situations, as unfortunate as they are, present us in lights and colours that are alien to us.
‘We are naturally peace loving, accommodating and hospitable. That is why we have always borne all provocations, including killings of our children, abductions and destruction of properties with equanimity and hoping solely on government to right the wrongs. That is also why it is on record that we have never blocked any road, looking for people from neighbouring communities despite losing uncountable souls to such barbaric acts.
‘Let us address the Okporojo/Ndukwe/Ihie crisis.
‘The Ebonyi State Government, after series of peace meetings between the communities late last year, took the initiative to delineate the land, a decision that was welcomed by both parties. It is important to note that the current effort is based on a 2003 gazetted report which the two sides agree will put the matter to rest. Another effort in 2023 still agreed on the implementation of the 2003 report.
‘We are at a loss why government is dragging their feet on its implementation. This delay in
implementing the report has continued to fuel hostilities in the area as both sides obviously need to cultivate their lands to feed their families.
‘With the farming season approaching, we urge prompt settlement of this issue to:
1. Restore peace and order;
2. Enable villagers to access their farms safely and
3. Prevent further bloodshed and destruction.
‘We humbly plead with our beloved Governor, as a people – oriented and listening Governor, to intervene and order immediate implementation of the delineation. This will, no doubt, bring relief to the communities and foster a harmonious coexistence.
‘We do hope His Excellency will hasten to our cry. We also appeal to our brothers and our neighbours to weigh in to efforts to restore peace, law and order on our borders.
‘Once more, we vehemently condemn the killings and destruction of properties in Okporojo and will support any action taken by government to fish out the perpetrators’.
