Ezza-Effium communal crisis: Gov. Nwifuru assent into law new Autonomous Community for Ezza clan
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakiliki
The governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru yesterday assented into law a bill to legalize and make binding for purpose of peace accord, a new autonomous Community for Ezza clan resident in Effium in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.
This indicates that the two warring clans are presently splited into two communities namely; the new Alioma and Effium autonomous Communities.
The signing took place at governor’s office located at Centenary City Abakiliki, the state capital on Thursday.
Speaking while assenting the bill into law, Governor Nwifuru said the communal clash between the two clans were caused by two individuals who wanted to gain leadership and control of revenue generated from the popularly Effium market in the area.
He further traced the persistent attacks and killing of innocent people in the area to some elites who are benefiting from the crisis.
Nwifuru however warned to deal decisively with anyone found fueling the crisis henceforth.
“What we are doing today is in continuation of our target towards preaching for peace and reconciliation in Effium.
“On this note over 6.9 Million square metre of land are for the newly people of Alioma (Ezza) autonomous community and 8.4 million for Effium community.
“But let me sound this warning, I’m not perturbed but destruct that some great leaders from these two communities are not telling their youths the truth.
“They statements are totally uncalled for and that is why this crisis has continue to strive because they are benefiting from it.
“But I want to send you a message that we are ready for any eventualities,” he warned.
The signing on Thursday following the state House of Assembly, led by the speaker, Moses Odunwa who recently passed a bill for the creation of five autonomous Communities in the state.
Nevertheless, the creation of Alioma autonomous Community, has sparked protests and arguments in some quarters of the state on whether the action would end the four years communal crisis between the Ezza and Effium clans in the area.
Salient Times learnt that some section of Effium indigenes have earlier made their position known by opposing the creation of Alioma autonomous Community.
The aggrieved group argued that the people of new Alioma community were strangers in area.
It is also on record that the peace and reconciliatory committee which was earlier chaired by the state Attorney General, Barr. Ben Odoh in its white paper released recently, authorized only Effium clan to produced tranditional ruler in the area.
Thousands of lives have been lost and properties worth billion of naira destroyed since the communal clash started in 2021.
