From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
One person was reportedly killed and scores injured when the people of Ukwa community in Cross River State, invaded their Isu neighbours in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State.
This much was disclosed when Governor Alex Otti visited the Isu community to commiserate with the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Blessing Kalu Elem, ascertain the extent of damage, and sympathise with the entire community following its invasion by the Ukwa community in Cross River State.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said his administration will remain conscious of protecting the life and property of its citizens and residents. The governor ordered the immediate transfer of scores of gunshot victims to a specialist hospital for proper medical attention with attendant bills to be fully paid by the state government.
“I have communicated with the government of Cross River State to call her people to order and stop further infiltration. The governor of Abia State is saddened over this obnoxious act and enjoins you to remain calm as the government is working hand in glove with the security agencies, to ensure that checkpoints are mounted at all entry points into Isu, as well as constitute a patrol team. His condolences are with you”, Emetu said.
He assured Isu community of Abia State government’s resolve to show presence in the area by fixing access roads to boundaries in Isu community, up to the beach, which serves a natural boundary feature, as well as other areas, having inter-state boundary issues across the state.
He commended the traditional ruler of Isu autonomous community, Eze Augustine Igwe, President General of Obieze and Ike Isu communities, Teddy Kalu and Nicholas Kalu, respectively, for their maturity in handling the situation.
The President General, Ike Isu community, Kalu, described Isu people as peace-loving, blessed with abundant limestone deposits, which the Ukwa people in Cross River State want to take possession of. He regretted the failure of past administrations in bringing economic and infrastructural development to the area, expressing optimism that the Otti administration will change the scenario.
The traditional ruler of the Isu community, Eze Igwe, thanked the governor for his prompt visit and appealed for sustained security in the area by building a security camp, along the Isu road leading to the beach. The deputy governor was later joined in the area by the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, and the Army Unit Commander, Arochukwu Local Government Area.