By CHARLES IWUOHA

Following the recent crisis that erupted at the border areas of Iboma Amachi of Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and their counterpart, Eja in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, stakeholders of both sides have stressed the need for peace to reign in the affected communities.

News Express learnt that the renewed hostility had last weekend claimed two lives, led to the destruction of properties as three persons were declared missing.

In a security meeting which had in attendance, the Cross River/Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement and stakeholders of Abakaliki LGA, which held at the Local Government Council Headquarters, Nkaliki, the Council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele, enjoined both sides of the divide not to allow disgruntled elements truncate the long existed peace and oneness in the two communities.

Nwangele further called on the two warring communities to sheath their swords in the interest of peace and mutual relationship.

He advised the people of the troubled areas not to embark on reprisal attacks as God knows how to reward his people, stressing that the government was already at the forefront of handling the matter.

Also, the President, Cross River/Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement, Barr. Paschal Nwenyi, frowned at those who carried out the destruction of lives and properties in the affected Communities adding that such act was uncalled for.

According to him, the people of Amachi community had hitherto lived in peace with the people of Eja and other Cross Riverians and that the ongoing peace process between both sides will go a long way towards the establishment of long lasting peace.

Similarly, the Coordinator Amachi Development Centre, Hon. Obinna Nwiboko, expressed worry over the ugly incident and called on the Federal Government to intervene in the matter, especially in the area of border demarcation in order to forestall breakdown of law and order.

“Izzi people are known for peace. They don’t pay evil with evil, and as such, I want to encourage the people of Amachi community to remain law abiding as government was already on top of the situation.”

In his contribution, the member representing Abakaliki South Constituency in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Ununu, called on the two warring communities to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

The lawmaker stressed that he would contribute his own towards ending the conflicts between the warring communities of Ebonyi and Cross River.