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The Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Prince Chima Ekumankama, has declared, as buffer zone the disputed land that caused crisis between the people of Amaeta and Ogiri villages in the council, on Wednesday.
He urged the people to take the directive seriously and eschew violence in order not to lose out in the current administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Ekumankama gave the warning at a meeting with stakeholders of Amaeta and Ogiri villages at Edda North Development Centre secretariat, Oso Edda, on Thursday. He stated that any native that violated the directive would be severely dealt with by security agencies.
He read the riot acts to the two villages and harped on the need for them to embrace peace or face the wrath of the law.
He reiterated that the primary role of every government is the protection of lives and property, which according to him, the state government is determined to do.
He appealed to the two neighbouring villages not to engage in a land dispute at this time, saying it was wiser for them to dedicate more energy and resources to farming to avoid famine in future.
He said: “Consider this opportunity given to you by the state government to make peace, for this peace to reign. Consider the people here who had one or two official engagements today, but abandoned them to be here, for this peace to reign.
“Therefore, I urge you people to embrace peace. This is not the time to fight; if you fight now instead of doing your farm work, it means famine beckons tomorrow. So, let’s embrace peace.
“By the power conferred on me as chairman of Edda Local Government Area, where these two neighbouring villages are located, I hereby declare the land in dispute a buffer zone, from now onwards.
“It means no native from either Amaeta village or Ogiri village should enter into the area, for farming or any other activity until further notice.
“Take this decision very seriously. Don’t test the waters. Don’t try the government. If anybody goes against this order, I will instruct the security agencies to deal with such a person. And so it’s in your own best interest not to violate this directive.”
He thanked the security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring that tranquillity and orderliness reigned during the meeting.
Buffer zone is a neutral area serving to separate hostile forces or nations.
Meanwhile, the two leaders of the two warring villages have signed an undertaking to ensure a peaceful co-existence in the area.
