To enthrone lasting peace in Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, on Easter Monday organised a lunch feast for the two warring communities in the state.

Speaking during the occasion, which took place at Ezillo, headquarters of Ishielu Local Government Area, Umahi said his government would continue to ensure peace at all cost in every part of the state.

He commended the people of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo for embracing peace at last, describing the launch feast as a covenant before God.

The Governor, in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, stressed that his administration would remain committed to peace.

Umahi thanked the security chiefs, members of the Peace Implementation Committee led by Rev. Father Abraham Nwali and other interest groups who contributed in one way or the other to the realisation of peace in Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo.

He said: “Today, history is made for making a lasting peace in this land. I must honestly thank the security chiefs in the state. Honestly, the security chiefs and their men have worked so hard in the process of returning peace to this land.

“Let me recall a number of periods in which we lost a number of lives, including those who are not from Ebonyi State and security agents for what they didn’t know about.

“I thank all the bishops in our state and all the pastors for their prayers. This is one area in the state that everybody is united. Father Nwali and all your members, I want to honestly thank you.”

The event which saw the people of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo eating yam together in one tray to commemorate the peace pact was attended by top government functionaries, including Exco members, House of Assembly members led by the speaker, Ogbonnia Nwifuru, the Divine Mandate Elders, the clergy, and security chiefs.

There were goodwill messages from the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Obinna Ogba, representatives of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo communities, the SSG, Bernard Odoh, Divine mandate Elders, NLC and traditional rulers among others. They all commended Governor Umahi for restoring peace in Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo.

The highlights of the occasion were peace dance and exchange of gifts between the people of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo.

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