Ebonyi community celebrates peace after years of crisis

The Ekoli Edda community in Edda Local Council of Ebonyi State has expressed happiness following the return of peace after years of crisis.

The community had witnessed the destruction of lives and property. However, sanity was restored following the inauguration of an electoral committee to conduct the town union’s elections.

Speaking to journalists after a general assembly meeting and inauguration of the electoral committee at Eji Udo Hall, the caretaker chairman of Ekoli Band of Hope Union, Chief Samuel Kalu Ama, said: “I have to give credit to the governor of the state, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his wisdom. He approved the caretaker committee through the local council chairman. What did we do differently?

“The community has been through a lot; we have suffered. As a member of this community, I have suffered a lot. So I can share my own gory stories or experiences.

“When the caretaker committee was formed, we first set up a youth arm and a vigilante arm. As a result, the bad boys started leaving the community on their own accord. They felt that their time was up. It is my wish and prayer that the peace is sustained.”

Also, Prof. Udu Ama Ibiam, who emerged as the electoral committee chairman, disclosed that he accepted the responsibility because of his desire for a new Edda community.

“I am no longer afraid in the community. I no longer have any fear of attack, unlike before. We have to support the caretaker committee of our community, which made this peace possible. We have to support them in doing more,” he said.