The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, has inaugurated an 11-man committee to resolve the communal crisis between Enyigba Izzi in Abakaliki Local Government Area and Enyibichiri Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area.

Umahi, who also decorated his Aide de Camp, Bawado Jonathan, with a new rank as Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Government House in Abakaliki on Wednesday, warned that he might set up a commission of inquiry if the two communities failed to apologise and pledge to sheathe their swords.

While he encouraged the chairmen of Abakaliki and Ikwo local government areas to set up different committees at the local levels, he enjoined the 11-man committee to be thorough and honest in its duty.

“I will advise the chairmen of Abakaliki LGA to have an enlarged committee under the Local Government chairman.

He has to organise a local committee of people of that particular community and the other chairman should do the same,” the Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, on Thursday.

Turning to the Chairman of the committee, Engr. Francis Orji, Umahi added: “You are like the judge taking records while they are talking because you will be inviting them to come and discuss before you. You have to be very careful in making sure you dispense with the truth so that our people will live.”

Umahi disclosed that out of the four persons abducted, one person was found dead while one was freed. He consequently appealed to the warring communities to bring back the remaining two persons alive.

“I want to thank Ikwo people because one of the abducted people has been seen, one is dead but I appeal that the rest of the other two or thereabout should be returned alive,” he said.

Umahi told the committee that part of its terms of reference was to make a proposal on permanent demarcation of the disputed land to restore peace in the area.

“You’re to review the 23-man committee report. You’re to trace the history of the land and initiate amicable settlement that will be acceptable by both parties. Then you’re to propose a draft bill that will be sent to the House of Assembly so it becomes a law,” the Governor stated.

On his part, the Chairman of the committee and the Commissioner for Boarder Peace and Conflict Resolution, Engr. Orji, described the assignment as a difficult task and promised to work assiduously to ensure that peace returned to the area.

Umahi, who in company with Deputy Police Commissioner, Felix Gani, performed the decoration ceremony, congratulated Jonathan for adding a new feather to his cap.

He prayed that the ADC would receive more promotions to enable him serve the country better.

“I want to bless God for this great feat in his life. My prayer is that yet in our time, you will continue to get promotions,” Umahi said.

The Governor commended the Nigerian Police Force for elevating the AD.

•Photo shows Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi(3rd left); Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe(3rd right); Deputy Commissioner of Police, Felix Gani (left); Aide de Camp to the Governor, Jonathan Bawado, Commander, Poll Reserve, Nkwaegu Military Cantonment, Col. S.D. Rindaps; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Internal Security, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala . . . after Bawado’s decoration as Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Government House in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

Update news