Conflicts between communities: Ebonyi council chief Ekuma issues two villages the riot act

Amaeta and Ogiri, two communities in the council, were given the riot act on Thursday by Prince Chima Ekuma, the chairman of the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to OBASANJO NEWS24, the two villages have seen ongoing community conflicts.

The disputed area that was the cause of the conflict between the residents of Amaeta and Ogiri villages, however, was declared a buffer zone by Ekuma.

The Chairman issued the warning to the Amaeta and Ogiri village stakeholders during a meeting on Thursday at the office of the Edda North Development Centre, in Oso Edda.

He further threatened that security agents would punish any natives who disobeyed the order.

According to him, “I hereby declare the territory in question a buffer zone, effective immediately, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, where these two adjacent villages are located.

It means that until further notice, no locals from either Amaeta village or Ogiri village should enter the area for farming or any other activities.

Consider this choice carefully. Taste not the waters. Try the government not. I shall give the security agencies instructions on how to handle anyone who disobeys this command. You should follow this order; it’s in your own best interest,” he said.

Leaders of the two ‘warring’ villages have agreed to maintain peace in the region by signing an agreement.

Chief Ude Orji and Osuu Ama Okoro for the village of Ogiri, as well as Chief Uduma Agwu and Mr. Clement Eze for the village of Amaeta, all signed the commitment.