From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has signed a law establishing five autonomous communities in Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, to foster lasting peace amid a conflict between Effium indigenes and Ezza-Effium residents since January 2021.
The clash, sparked by a leadership dispute at Effium Market, has claimed numerous lives and destroyed properties worth billions of naira. The Ebonyi State House of Assembly approved three autonomous communities for Effium indigenes and two for Ezza-Effium, with one named Alioma for the Ezza.
At the signing ceremony in Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru condemned opposition from some Effium indigenes, alleging profiteering from the crisis.
He stated: “It is an incident caused by two individuals, people that were struggling for control of market and revenues in the motor park at Effium market… They are some people that are benefiting from this crisis… I want to send them a message and the message is that we are ready for any eventuality.”
Nwifuru warned troublemakers, vowing to use all means to ensure peace.