EDDA CRISIS: GOV UMAHI SETS UP COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
REPORTER: AMECHI ODO
Ebonyi State Government has inaugurated a nine man Commission of Enquiry on the recent crises in Ekoli and Amoso Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state.
Governor David Umahi inaugurated the Commission headed by Senator Sonni Ogbuoji during a security meeting at Ebunwana Edda.
The Governor expressed regret that the disturbance in Edda which had led to loss of lives, including those of a police officer, a youth leader and a younger brother to the State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoroemegha.
“It was never like this before now, we have had a lot of killings all over Edda, especially during elections; cultism, gunrunning, and other vices. We don’t want it to continue, we want it to stop,” he fumed.
The Governor ordered the arrest of anyone found in possession of firearm to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the area.
“If you show me somebody who has AK47 gun, no matter who the person is, I will lead the operation and we will arrest the person,” he vowed.
The Governor enjoined members of the nine man Commission of Enquiry to carry out their responsibilities devoid of any sentiment.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Aliyu Garba, admonished the people to toe the line of reconciliation to ensure timely return of peace to the area.
“We are peace officers but the law is not a respecter of anybody, so we must be careful in whatever thing we are doing, those found guilty definitely will be charged to Court,” the Police Commissioner said.
The Minister of State for Health, Chief Joseph Ekumankama, applauded security agencies for timely containment of the carnage and assured that the people would embrace peace.
In an acceptance speech, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji assured the gathering that they would discharge their duty diligently.
Among the terms of reference for the Commission of Enquiry are to bring peace between the two personalities at the forefront of the crisis — Chief Stanley Okoroemegha and APC House of Representatives Candidate for Afikpo North and South, Chief Eni Udumachima — as well as to forestall further gunshots in the whole of Edda and to restore peace in the entire clan.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
