From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
No fewer than 400 members of Iziola village, Ndiebor Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, who were banished from the community in 2017, have returned to the village.
The banished villagers returned to the community at the weekend following intervention by the state government.
There was serious crisis in the community in 2017 which claimed many lives with property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The mayhem led to the banishment of many indigenes of the area while property of those banished, including lands and houses, were confiscated by the community.
But, at the weekend, over 400 of those affected by the banishment, returned to the community.
They state Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Donatus Ilang, initiated the process, including the peace meeting that culminated in their return.
Ilang called on those who lost their relatives and property during the crisis to forgive and accept peace, praying that God will replenish them in folds. He directed the leadership and members of the village to reintegrate their brothers and sisters for permanent peace in the area, stressing that development thrives only where peace reigns.
He noted that what he has done in the community was in line with the policy thrust of the present administration in the state, adding that his ministry was bringing peace to the grassroots.
Ilang implored the women and youths to be vanguards of peace in the area, warning that the state government will not tolerate any person or group of persons who attempts to cause problem in the area.
The commissioner directed that property of those who were exiled should be released to them, to pave way for permanent resolution of the crisis.
In their separate speeches, the Village Head, Mr. Ugadu Godwin, the Youth President, Mr. Nworu David, the Women Leader, Mrs. Felicia Anyigor, Mr. Raymond Nwogoshi, Comrade Oroke Michael Solomon, Mr. Francis Nwodom and other stakeholders of the community praised the state government for restoring peace in Iziola.
They declared that they have accepted peace in the area, stressing that they were tired of the crisis and have been longing to see its end.