By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi, has constituted a nine-man Commission of Enquiry into the recent crises that erupted in Ekoli and Amoso Edda in Afikpo south Local government area of the state.

Umahi inaugurated the Commission at Ebunwana Edda during a Security meeting, onTuesday.

He regretted the disturbances in Edda which, he observed, has led to loss of lives and hard earned resources.

“It was never like this before now, we have had a lot of killings all over Edda, especially during elections; cultism, gunrunning, and other vices. We don’t want it to continue, we want it to stop,” the Umahi said.

The Governor directed the people to report anyone found in possession of firearms, to forestall further breakdown of law and order anywhere in the state.

“If you show me somebody who has AK47 gun, no matter who the person is, I will lead the operation and we will arrest the person.

“The moment you conform with the laws of the land, you will have peace, God never asked anybody to kill somebody in order to be elected.

“What happened in Ekoli is a sacrilege, it is terrible and it is something we should cry out to the Lord for forgiveness. Brother killing brother is a sacrilege, it is shameful; what is it that is worth the life of a brother? It is selfishness.

“What happened in Ekoli, I have looked beyond the problem, I have looked at tomorrow, unless something is done and done sincerely by you people, it will have devastating consequences.

“I can’t be supporting you when your hands are unclean with blood, this life is very temporal, no one has control of his or her life; everyday is by the mercies of God. We ought to be grateful to God, there are things you must leave to God," the Governor said.

He called on Edda people to seek the face of God in order to cleanse the land of bloodshed.

“The land has been spoilt, the people of Edda should do what the people of Nineveh did.

“There is still a way out, let's seek the face of God in sincerity. This nine-man Commission, are you going to be divided alongside these people? There is no forgiveness without confession of sins, it is only when you confess in the Catholic way that forgiveness can be effected,” he added.

The Governor enjoined members of the Commission of Enquiry headed by Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, to carry out their responsibilities devoid of any sentiments.

Terms of reference for the Commission, according to the Governor, include to bring peace between the two protagonists, forestall further gun battle in the whole of Edda and to restore peace in the entire clan.

Other members of the Commission, according to the Governor, include Honourable Nkama Nkama Ude, Secretary; while Chief Mike Okoro, Prince Etta Uka, Engr. Kalu Ama Mba, John Igwe, Prof. Ibiam Ekpe, Engr. Hon. Ufere Okoroafor and Ama Kalu Ikwor would serve as members.

The Commissioner of Police, Garba Aliyu, admonished the people to toe the line of reconciliation to ensure timely return of peace to the area.

"We are peace officers but the law is not a respecter of anybody, so we must be careful in whatever thing we are doing, those found guilty definitely will be charged to Court," the CP said.

The Minister of State for Health, Chief Joseph Ekumankama, appreciated security agencies for timely containment of the carnage and assured that the people would embrace peace.

Others, former Deputy Governor of old lmo State, Chief Francis Orji, the Chairman, Edda Traditional Rulers Council, Ezeogo Charles Azuenya and Chief Nkama Nkama Ude appealed to the people, especially the protagonists to accept peace and reunite with their people.

On-behalf of members of the Commission, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji and Chief Mike Okoro assured that they would discharge their duties diligently and without fear or favour.

The two protagonists, Chief Eni Uduma Chima and Chief Stanley Emegha pledged to abide by the resolution of the Commission of Enquiry.

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