EBONYI STATE GOVT PLANS THE RETURN OF EFFIUM IDPS

Reporter : AMECHI ODO

Ebonyi State Government has mapped out plans to return Internally Displaced Persons from the war torn Effium and Ezza Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area to their homes.

This was part of decisions reached at this week’s State Executive Council and Expanded Security Meeting at Government House Abakaliki.

Briefing journalists, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, alongside some Commissioners, explained that the first batch of the Internally Displaced Persons to be repatriated would first be kept at camps to be sited at Nwekendiagu, Akparata and Effium Market residential Areas.

He explained that the returnees would be provided with more security, food and tents, noting that the decision was in lieu of the peace that had gradually returned to the area.

Dr. Ugbala noted that the Council frowned on the alleged release of about fifty-five mercenaries arrested in Effium by security agencies and had set up a committee headed by the Commissioner for Internal Security to investigate the matter.

The Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, said the Council also considered a draft bill seeking to establish King David University of Medical Services in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Dr. Umezuruike added that the University when established would operate under public private partnership and would be self sustaining