By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Elders from two communities, Obinagu Achalla in Enugwu-Agidi community, Njikoka Local Government Area, and their neighbouring community, Ezinano village-Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area, both in Anambra State, have commenced a peace process to end a 70 years old communal land feud.

The elders of the two communities stated this while briefing Journalists, on the peace initiative at Enugwu-Agidi community, over the weekend.

The elders of Obunagu-Achalla took turn to narrate their ugly experiences that necessitated the peace moves.

According to Ichie Wilson Okeofor, aged 98 years, ?We need peace because we have suffered for this land since 1954 when the case was instituted in London. We have spent money over litigation and finally decided to engage into peace negotiations with Ezinano community.

?We are no longer interested in shooting and maiming over land matter but, has finally wish to unite with Awka people. Those people that are trying to thwart this peace initiative know themselves in the community and they gain much through this selfish approach.?

Another elder, Ozo Ozoemena Obiora Okeke, 72 years, narrated his bitter experience when some of the indigenes that don?t welcome the peace approach started threatening his life.

He said: ?I have been kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen sent by those that reap from the troubled water. At this point, we invited Ozo Jeff Nweke with his people to our place and he told us that this land we are fighting for does not worth anybody?s life

"We should stop harassing people with Fulani herdsmen and police. There and then, we sought for peace between Ezinano and Obunagu-Achalla

"Those people that don?t want this peace initiative to stand may face severe consequences when we decide to drag them to Alusi shrine.?

Also, 89-year-old Elder Cyprian Odogwu stated, "We have spent fortune over fighting for the land without gaining anything, until the spirit of God came upon some of us and we decided to have round table discussion to broker peace with Awka people.

"Unfortunately, there are some people that are hellbent not to achieve this peace initiative. Those people are responsible for selling our land anyhow without accounting for them.

"You know, there are people in every society who benefit when there is crisis in the land. However, we separated ourselves from those trouble makers and solicit for peace with Awka people for our future generations."

The elders of Enugwu-Agidi stressed that they were tired of holding grudges with the people of Ezinano over the land in contention.

It was gathered that the disputed land, Agu Nawgu, where about 14 journalists narrowly escaped death a year ago, when police operatives deployed to the area reportedly fired gun shots at Awka indigenes who were protesting the occupation of their land by the operatives, has been a court case since 1954.

Meanwhile, when the youths and women were interviewed, they unanimously supported the peace move, praying for wisdom to end the crisis that have led to economic stagnation and destruction of properties worth millions of naira in the area.

It was however discovered that at some quarters of the community, the indigenes are pointing accusing fingers at some prominent personalities for trying to frustrate the peace initiative

When contacted through phone call, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche, said it would be subjudice for him to comment on the matter as the land case is still in court.

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