Eze Izhi Gbirim commends Umahi's steps to peace in Ebonyi, calls for boundary demarcation

BY VICTOR NWEGEDE

Thursday in Abakalki, His Royal Highness Eze Cyprian Ezekiel Mbam Nwekee, the Izhi traditional ruler representing Izhi clan in Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos State has commended the proactiveness of Governor David Nweze Umahi towards restoration of permanent peace in various war torn communities in Ebonyi and some neighbouring states. 

Eze Nwekee who condemned totally the killings of Izhi people in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State by the marauding Fulani herdsmen and the recent abduction of some children from Enyigba - an Izhi community of Abakalki Council Area by suspected miscreants from Enyibuchiri community in Ikwo Local Government Area, sued for peace.

The traditional ruler observed that most of the crises rocking some communities in Ebonyi state were as a result of land disputes and farmers-herders' clashes.

He noted that the state government under the watch of Governor David Umahi had settled the boundary dispute between the two brotherly communities, Enyibuchiri Ikwo and Enyigba Abakalki.

He wondered why the abduction of the children came up at the recent time, and adjudged that their susspected abductors were allowed to be used as a tool of degenerating crisis between the two brotherly clans, Ikwo Noyo and Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi in the state.

Nwekee, however, urged the people to shun crises by embracing peace, asking the state government to take the land in dispute if they brotherly communities would not give peace a chance.

The Izhi Monarch further expressed worrry over Izhi massacre in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, and called all Ebonyians especially Abakalki speaking people to avoid any form of crises capable of tearing their blood relationship apart.

He equally appealed to the state governor not relent by ensuring all communities in Ebonyi having boundary disputes are well demarcated alongside their neighbouring states.

He thanked the governor for having started boundary demarcation from the side of Enugu State and urged him to extend it to the boundaries between Ebonyi and other states like Benue, Cross River and Abia States to totally end every crisis emanating from these areas.

Eze Nwekee noted with dismay the lackadaisical attitude of Benue Government over the merciless attacks, killings and maiming by Fulani herdsmen against Nwori Nduobashi and other Izhi communities in Ado Local Government Area of the state, which according to him, resulted into many death of Izhi people with several others who scored pathetic injuries now in the hospitals.

He therefore, thanked those who have in one way or the other assisted Izhi clan to ensure the lives of her people in Benue State especially the injured ones in the hospitals been taking care of till date.