Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Friday reduced the fine imposed on the former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Bar. Eni Uduma and his brother, from the Ekoli community in Edda LGA, following their involvement in the crisis that destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

The governor reduced the fine from N106 million to N80 million when he intervened in the lingering crisis rocking the Ekoli Edda community, saying that the money should be paid within 24 hours.

It is worth recalling that the community banned Eni and his brother Chima Uduma Chima for seven years following their alleged involvement in a communal crisis in Ekoli.

The community took the decision during a general town hall assembly held at Eji Udo Eme Hall in Amueke village.
The community added that the former council boss and his brother will also pay a fine of N106 million for the properties destroyed during the crisis.

However, Governor Nwifuru stated that the community has no right to banish Uduma, arguing that such action would violate the constitutional rights of any Nigerian citizen. Nevertheless, he insisted that he must pay the fine, thereby reducing the amount from N106 million to N80 million.

After receiving reports and recommendations from key stakeholders, the governor outlined the state government’s position on several issues raised during the peace dialogue.

Governor Nwifuru revealed that of the seven demands made by Uduma, five were accepted while two were rejected.

The rejected demands included an agreement to return his MacTalk device and the call to dissolve the town union executive. The accepted demands involved nullifying the banishment imposed on him and his brother, warning the traditional ruler to remain apolitical or resign, and the activation and proper staffing of the Ekoli police station.

“No civilian, no matter who that person is, whether Cachiam Boys, Trigger Boys, or Amnesty Boys, should be found with firearms, and anyone found in possession of arms will be dealt with according to the rule of law. However, only recognised law enforcement agencies, such as the police, army, and civil defence corps, are permitted to bear arms in the community,” he stressed.

Additionally, the governor amended a submission by the party chairman, emphasising that all stakeholders must refrain from interfering in the administration of community land and affairs. The traditional institution and the town union executive were declared autonomous and must be allowed to function independently.

The governor also supported the development union president’s request that the activities of the self-styled “Happy Trigger Boys” must stop immediately, noting that anyone involved in unlawful activities would be treated as criminals.

The governor also directed that Amnesty Boys return 18 motorcycles and seven phones allegedly seized from community youths. Any denial of these claims will require the individuals to swear oaths at the village square.
As part of the rebuilding process, the villages have reportedly contributed N1 million each to help restore the damaged shops.

Governor Nwifuru emphasised that peace must return to Ekoli Edda and that no individual is greater than the community.

“If you are not proud of your community, you are not its pride. Everyone must submit to the community’s institutions for peace to reign,” he said.