By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi state Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has granted amnesty to 51 persons affected by the Ekoli Edda crisis.

News Express reports that crisis erupted in 2021 between the people of Ekoli Edda in Ebonyi State and their neighbouring communities of Egbor and Urugbam in Cross River State over a palm plantation.

A statement issued on Friday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, said that the decision to grant the amnesty was taken by the Ebonyi State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to the crisis which had claimed many lives and property.

According to Governor Nwifuru, the disarmament programme initiated by the Nigerian Army, in partnership with his government, was a turning point as it demonstrated the willingness of the Ekoli Edda vigilante members to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

He revealed that the voluntary surrender of eight mortar bombs, 29 AK-47 rifles, and 21 pump-action guns which was a demonstration of powerful act of faith in the possibility of a better future.

The Governor, who said that the beneficiaries undertook six weeks skills acquisition programmes, donated N2 million to each of them to establish themselves, promising that any of them who is able to do well would get another tranche.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Oluremi Olatoye, told the Governor that each of them had acquired relevant skills that would help to make themselves reliant in the path of business choice.

The General Officer, who was represented by the Commander, 44 Engineering Brigade, Brig- Gen O. D Bello, charged beneficiaries of this amnesty and empowerment programme to embrace the training with open mind as it marked a new chapter in their lives. He lauded the commitment of the Ebonyi State Government to fostering peace, security and sustainable development.

The various skills learnt include carpentry, electrical and solar installation, fishery and poultry farming, paint production and painting, as well as plumbing and tiling.